India’s proposed white-ball tour of Bangladesh is set to play a crucial role in determining the schedule of Afghanistan’s upcoming T20I series against the Men in Blue. While the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has earmarked September for the three-match contest, the final dates remain subject to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) receiving government clearance for the Bangladesh tour.

India’s Bangladesh tour could alter schedule

The Afghanistan-India T20I series is tentatively scheduled for September 13, 15 and 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. However, those dates overlap with India’s proposed white-ball tour of Bangladesh, which is expected to conclude on September 13.

With diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh showing signs of improvement, the chances of the tour proceeding have increased.

India Bangladesh tour latest update
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As a result, the BCCI is waiting for the Indian government’s approval before confirming the itinerary. If the Bangladesh tour gets the green light, the Afghanistan series is likely to be pushed back by a few days to accommodate both assignments.

India’s tour of Afghanistan on the line

The series will be significant as Afghanistan is set to host India in a bilateral contest for the first time. Although the matches are expected to be played in New Delhi, Afghanistan will be the official host, continuing its practice of staging home fixtures outside the country due to the lack of international venues.

Finding alternative dates will not be easy. The Asian Games are scheduled to begin later in September, while India’s tour of the West Indies is also approaching, leaving very little room in an already packed international calendar.

The series will also feature a different broadcast arrangement. Since Afghanistan is the designated host, the matches will not be covered under India’s home media rights. Digital streaming rights have already been secured, while television broadcast rights are yet to be finalised.

India's Bangladesh tour decision delays Afghanistan series schedule
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For now, all three cricket boards are awaiting a final decision on India’s Bangladesh tour, which will determine when the landmark Afghanistan-India T20I series can officially take place.