Afghanistan cricket has never been busier. The ACB has packed 2026 last 4 months with international assignments across all three formats. Multiple nations are coming to them. Afghanistan are travelling to others. And some of their biggest matches are still to come. If anyone follow Afghan cricket, then checkout Afghanistan Cricket Schedule 2026.
India vs Afghanistan T20I Series (September 13 to 17)
This is Afghanistan’s most high-profile upcoming assignment. A three-match T20I series against India at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi runs from September 13 to 17. All three matches start at 7:00 PM local time and 7:00 PM IST.
Afghanistan will host India as the registered home team despite playing in Delhi. Afghanistan have used India and the UAE as neutral home venues for several years due to the security situation in Afghanistan. The series is part of Afghanistan’s ICC Future Tours Program.
September 13: 1st T20I, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, 7:00 PM IST
September 15: 2nd T20I, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, 7:00 PM IST
September 17: 3rd T20I, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, 7:00 PM IST
The series is broadcast live on Sony Sports and streamed on FanCode. For the first time, FIFA World Cup 2026 production technology will be used for all three matches, including volumetric free-viewpoint cameras, AI-stabilised POV angles, and ultra-slow-motion footage at 600 frames per second.
The Asian Games: September 24 to October 3
Afghanistan are among ten nations competing in the cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The competition is played in T20 format. Matches begin on September 24 and the final is scheduled for October 3.
The ten competing nations are Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Japan, Nepal, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Oman. Afghanistan compete against some of the strongest T20I sides in Asia within a single tournament format. Their performances at the Asian Games carry ICC ranking points and provide the squad with valuable T20 competitive experience heading into 2027.
Afghanistan have historically been one of Asia’s most competitive T20 sides. Their spin-heavy attack led by Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad presents genuine challenges for any batting lineup in Asian conditions. Their batting, anchored by Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, has improved consistently across recent international cycles.
The ICC Future Tours Program: Afghanistan’s Bilateral Commitments
Afghanistan’s FTP for the 2023 to 2027 cycle includes bilateral series against multiple Full Members across all three formats. Their 2026 schedule reflects how much has changed for ACB since the FTP was first published.
In addition to the confirmed matches above, Afghanistan have further commitments in the UAE and at neutral venues still to be finalised before the end of 2026. The ACB has been working to secure additional FTP matches that allow their players consistent competitive experience at the highest level.
Where to Watch Afghanistan Cricket in 2026
The broadcasting arrangements for Afghanistan’s 2026 series vary by assignment and territory. For the India vs Afghanistan T20I series, Sony Sports and FanCode hold the broadcast and streaming rights for viewers in India. For Afghanistan’s series in Ireland, the matches are available through Cricket Ireland’s broadcast partners. For the Asian Games, coverage varies by country and is available through national sports broadcasters across Asia.
Afghanistan’s growing popularity across the cricket world, especially in South Asia and among the Afghan diaspora in Australia, the UK, and the US, means broadcast demand for their fixtures has grown significantly alongside their results. The broader story of how broadcast rights and franchise cricket have transformed the financial landscape for associate cricket programs is explored in our piece on the impact of franchise leagues on cricket.
Afghanistan’s Key Players to Watch in 2026
Rashid Khan remains Afghanistan’s most important player. He is one of the best T20 bowlers in the world. His 45 international wickets in 2026 across all formats already reflect a bowler still performing at the absolute peak of his powers.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is their most destructive opening batter. He provides the explosive start that makes Afghanistan’s batting genuinely dangerous against any bowling attack.
Noor Ahmad has developed into a world-class wrist-spin option. His left-arm wrist spin is increasingly difficult to read. He gives Afghanistan a second genuine wicket-taking spinner alongside Rashid.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman remains their most experienced spin option and brings proven ability to take wickets in all conditions against all formats of the game.
Full ACB International Schedule 2026 Summary
| Month | Series | Format | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | National T20 Cup | T20 Domestic | Kunduz |
| May to June | Ghazi Amanullah List A | List A Domestic | Afghanistan |
| June | Afghanistan in India | Test and ODI | India |
| August | Afghanistan in Ireland | ODI (5 matches) | Ireland |
| September 13 to 17 | India in Afghanistan | T20I (3 matches) | Delhi |
| September 24 to October 3 | Asian Games | T20 | Aichi, Japan |
| October to November | TBC | TBC | UAE / Neutral |
Conclusion
Afghanistan’s 2026 cricket schedule is the busiest and most significant in ACB’s history. Domestic tournaments launched the year. The India tour gave senior players high-quality Test and ODI experience. The Ireland series added ODI ranking points. The India T20I series in September brings a global production showcase to cricket. The Asian Games gives the entire squad a medal opportunity. Whatever comes after in October and November adds to a year that has already defined what ACB is capable of building. Afghan cricket is not an emerging story anymore. It is an established one.
