Delhi Confirms India–Afghanistan T20I Amid BRICS Security Concerns

For a few tense hours, cricket in the Capital stood in the shadow of diplomacy.

The first Twenty20 International between India and Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium was staring at a possible 24-hour delay, with the BRICS Summit tightening security screws across New Delhi and prompting calls for a reschedule.

Delhi Police, stretched by the high-profile event, had raised security-related concerns around staging an international match on the same day. The prospect of shifting the game loomed large.

Then came clarity.

Late on Thursday evening, the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) drew a firm line under the speculation and confirmed that the match will go ahead as planned on Sunday.

“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,” the association announced in a social media post.

The assurance from Delhi Traffic Police effectively unlocked the fixture, easing fears for broadcasters, teams, and thousands of ticket-holders who had been left wondering if cricket would give way to the diplomatic calendar.

So the stage remains set: BRICS in the conference halls, and under the floodlights in the heart of Delhi, India and Afghanistan will still get their night.