Fact check: Is IND vs AFG T20I postponed due to BRICS summit?

The India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I was earlier under doubt due to security concerns in New Delhi. The match is scheduled to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on September 13, while the BRICS Summit is also being held in the capital. The Indian team has already arrived in Delhi and started its preparations for the match.

As per Cricbuzz, the possible rescheduling was being discussed because of the clash between the cricket match and the BRICS Summit. With additional security personnel expected to be deployed and traffic restrictions likely in sensitive areas, hosting an international cricket match on the same day could have increased the pressure on security agencies.

However, the DDCA has now confirmed that the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I will go ahead as scheduled at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on September 13. The clarification came after the Delhi Traffic Police requested that the match be postponed due to arrangements and traffic restrictions linked to the BRICS Summit, which will be held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13.

Why the postponement rumours started — Delhi Traffic Police's request

As per Cricbuzz, the main reason behind the postponement rumours was the clash between the India vs Afghanistan match and the BRICS Summit. With additional security personnel expected to be deployed and movement restrictions likely in sensitive areas, hosting a major international cricket match on the same day could have increased the pressure on security agencies.

The Arun Jaitley Stadium is located in central Delhi, where security and traffic management could become especially important during the summit. Authorities were therefore concerned about managing two major events at the same time while ensuring smooth security arrangements and minimising disruption to public movement.

However, the DDCA said on social media that it had received no information or instructions to shift the match as of 6 pm on Thursday. The association later officially confirmed that the first T20I between India and Afghanistan would be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on its scheduled date.

DDCA's official statement settles the confusion once and for all

The DDCA has officially confirmed that the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I will be played as scheduled on September 13 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. “The 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,” the DDCA said in a statement.

The confusion started because the BRICS Summit is also being held in Delhi during the same period. The Delhi Traffic Police had sought changes to the cricket schedule due to security concerns, traffic restrictions and the expected movement of dignitaries and VIP convoys in the capital.

However, after discussions with the DDCA, the authorities have cleared the way for the match to take place as planned. The September 13 fixture will be the first T20I of India's three-match series against Afghanistan, with the remaining two matches scheduled for September 15 and 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Fans react as series schedule stays unchanged for September 13

The DDCA's confirmation that the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I will be played as scheduled has ended the uncertainty around the match. The fixture will take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on September 13, with fans now looking forward to the start of the three-match series.

The postponement rumours had created confusion among fans, especially because the BRICS Summit is also being held in Delhi during the same period. However, the DDCA's latest statement has made it clear that the match will not be shifted and all necessary arrangements will be made for the fixture.

Fans can now focus on the cricket as India and Afghanistan prepare to begin their T20I series. The second and third matches will be played on September 15 and 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, keeping the series schedule unchanged. Here is how the fans reacted: