Clouds of crisis over India-Afghanistan series. (Photo- PTI)
India vs Afghanistan T20I Series: Dark clouds of uncertainty are beginning to loom over the three-match T20 International series to be played between India and Afghanistan in September. According to reports, the dates of this series may clash with India’s possible tour of Bangladesh, efforts to re-organize it this year have intensified. Afghanistan has to play three T20 matches hosted by India on 13, 15 and 17 September at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Due to the political situation in Afghanistan, they play their home matches in India or UAE, that is why this series was decided in New Delhi.
Why did the Bangladesh tour get stuck?
According to a report by Cricbuzz, Bangladesh Cricket Board is trying to organize a 6-match limited overs series against India from 1 to 13 September. If the Indian team tours Bangladesh, the Afghanistan series will have to be postponed by a few days or it will have to be completely rescheduled. However, this is not so easy because the busy schedule of the Indian team can pose a big challenge to the BCCI.
Signs of improvement in relations between India and Bangladesh
India’s Bangladesh tour was earlier postponed due to political tension. But recently, after the Indian government invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tariq Rahman for the 18th BRICS summit, there is hope of improvement in relations between the two countries. If relations between the two countries improve, then BCCI may get the green signal from the central government to send the Indian team to Bangladesh.
On the other hand, even though the India-Afghanistan series is of only 3 matches, BCCI has a left window available to take it forward. The Indian team has to participate in the Asian Games from 24th September. Immediately after this, the home series against West Indies is starting from 27th September. In such a situation, it is not possible to postpone the Afghanistan series for too long. If the Bangladesh tour is final, then the Afghanistan series can be postponed only by 2 to 3 days.
