India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I: Delhi Match to Go Ahead as Scheduled on September 13, Confirms DDCA

The India-Afghanistan first T20I in New Delhi will be played as scheduled on September 13.

The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) confirmed on Thursday, putting to rest speculation that the match could be postponed due to security arrangements for the BRICS Summit.

The series opener at the Arun Jaitley Stadium had faced uncertainty following reports that the Delhi Police had expressed concerns about hosting the game amid heightened security and traffic restrictions in the capital. The BRICS Summit is scheduled from September 11 to 13 and is expected to involve extensive VVIP movement across Delhi.

DDCA sources told India Today that the association had received no communication or instructions regarding a change in the match schedule as of 6pm on Thursday. The DDCA subsequently issued an official confirmation that the game would go ahead on its original date.

“India–Afghanistan 1st T20I on 13 September at Arun Jaitley Stadium will go ahead as scheduled. Following a meeting with Delhi Traffic Police, DDCA has been assured of all necessary support and arrangements. No postponement,” the association posted on X.

Speculation had earlier suggested that the first T20I could be moved to September 14 because of the security and traffic challenges expected during the summit. However, the DDCA has made it clear that there is currently no plan to postpone or reschedule the match.

The BRICS Summit will be held at Bharat Mandapam, located around five kilometres from the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The two venues are connected by Mahatma Gandhi Road, which is expected to see heightened security measures and VVIP movement during the summit.

Authorities have announced traffic restrictions and diversions in several parts of central Delhi for the event. Schools and government offices will also remain closed during the summit period.

The three-match T20I series between India and Afghanistan is scheduled from September 13 to 17, with all three matches set to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The games are scheduled to begin at 7pm IST.

With the DDCA receiving assurances from the Delhi Traffic Police, the series opener is set to proceed as planned despite the extensive security arrangements for the BRICS Summit.