Afghanistan vs India T20I Series 2026: Match Officials Announced

Afghanistan and India are set to renew their rivalry in T20 cricket when they meet in a three-match series from September 13 to September 17, 2026. All three fixtures will be held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) hosting the matches as Afghanistan’s designated home series.

The series will conclude the bilateral cricketing calendar between the two countries for 2026. India and Afghanistan previously faced each other in a Test match and a three-match ODI series in June.

Alongside the playing squads, the cricket boards have announced a dedicated officiating team for the series.

AFG vs IND T20I Series: Match Officials

Former England cricketer Dean Cosker has been appointed as the match referee. His experience is expected to be valuable as the two teams contest a series that could prove closely contested.

The umpiring panel comprises Ahmad Shah Pakteen, Ahmad Shah Durrani, Izatullah Safi, Farooq Khan and Mahmood Kharoti.

The full list of match officials is:

• Dean Cosker – Match Referee
• Ahmad Shah Pakteen – Umpire
• Ahmad Shah Durrani – Umpire
• Izatullah Safi – Umpire
• Farooq Khan – Umpire
• Mahmood Kharoti – Umpire

These officials will oversee all three matches and ensure that play follows the governing playing conditions and regulations.

Shreyas Iyer to captain India against Afghanistan

Shreyas Iyer will lead India, with Tilak Varma serving as vice-captain. India’s squad blends established white-ball players with several promising young talents, providing flexibility across all departments.

The batting lineup features aggressive options such as Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson, while Iyer is expected to offer stability and control in the middle order.

India’s bowling attack also includes considerable experience. Jasprit Bumrah will spearhead the pace attack alongside left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh. Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakaravarthy provide variety with the ball on what could be a spin-friendly Delhi surface.

India will, however, be without fast bowler Harshit Rana, who has been ruled out with a strain. Yash Thakur has been selected as his replacement.

Afghanistan look to their spin strength

Ibrahim Zadran will lead Afghanistan, who are expected to make full use of their formidable spin attack in familiar subcontinental conditions.

At the top of the order, Rahmanullah Gurbaz remains one of Afghanistan’s most dangerous batters. Experienced campaigners such as Mohammad Nabi and hard-hitting all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai add considerable firepower in the middle order.

India may find Afghanistan’s depth in spin particularly challenging. Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Nangeyalia Kharote offer multiple high-quality options capable of taking advantage of any assistance on the Delhi pitch.

Fazalhaq Farooqi will play an important role with the ball in hand, while Naveen-ul-Haq adds further strength to Afghanistan’s pace attack.

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