Join WhatsApp Channel
The opening match between India and Afghanistan in the three-match T20 series will go ahead as per the schedule, said the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) on September 10.
“India-Afghanistan 1st T20I on 13 September at Arun Jaitley Stadium will go ahead as scheduled,” DDCA wrote on X.
The decision was announced soon after the Delhi Traffic Police Commissioner requested the postponement of the game due to the high-profile BRICS Summit.
Afghanistan will be ‘hosting’ India for the three-match series here at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, with the matches slated to be played on September 13, 15 and 17.
DDCA officials said that following a meeting with Delhi Traffic Police, they have been assured of all necessary support and arrangements. Hence, the match will go ahead as scheduled with no postponement.
Earlier in the day, in a letter dated September 9, the senior traffic official requested DDCA to consider postponing the scheduled match to any suitable date after completion of the Summit, citing the international importance and priority of the BRICS Summit.
The Commissioner said, “Traffic Police would already be extensively deployed for BRICS-related traffic regulation, diversions, route clearance and VVIP/VIP movements.”
Making parallel arrangements for the cricket match would place considerable pressure on available manpower and pose significant challenges in traffic diversions, parking, crowd regulation, emergency access, and route clearance, he added.
Noting that the T20 match between India and Afghanistan is expected to attract approximately 25,000-35,000 spectators and can cause traffic congestion due to the proximity of the stadium to heavy vehicular movement areas, the official requested the authorities to consider rescheduling the event.
