NEW DELHI, Sept 10: The India – Afghanistan first T20I cricket match will go ahead as per schedule at the Arun Jaitley stadium in Delhi on Sunday despite an earlier request by the Delhi police to change the date in view of the coming BRICS summit in the national capital during the same time, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) clarified on Thursday.
It said “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,” it said on X.
The Delhi Police had earlier requested the DDCA to reschedule India’s opening T20I against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. In an official letter, Delhi Police mentioned that they would already be extensively deployed for BRICS and that making other security arrangements for the match would put severe pressure on them.
It also explained that the police were ready to give full service at any later date after the completion of the summit. “Further, the entire Delhi Traffic Police would already be extensively deployed for BRICS-related traffic regulation, diversions, route clearance and VVIP/VIP movements. Simultaneous arrangements for the cricket match would place considerable pressure on available manpower and pose significant challenges in traffic diversion, parking, crowd regulation, emergency access and route clearance,” the letter read.
In view of the international importance and priority of the BRICS Summit, DDCA is requested to kindly consider rescheduling/postponing the match scheduled on 13.09.2026 to any suitable date after completion of the Summit and related traffic arrangements. This would facilitate effective deployment of resources and ensure smooth and secure movement of foreign delegates, WIPs and the general public,” the letter read.
The DDCA, however, said despite the pressure of the BRICS summit, the police have agreed to make necessary arrangements for simultaneously holding the cricket match. Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) are the official host of the three-match series, which will be played on September 13, 15 and 17, in Delhi.
(Manas Dasgupta)