Sony Wins TV Rights Race; ACB Wants One T20I on Ganesh Chaturthi

Sony Sports Network has bagged the linear television broadcast rights for the upcoming Afghanistan versus India T20I series. ITW Universe, the global rights holder of the series, awarded the television rights to Sony, with the deal finalised on August 13.

The three-match T20I series is officially hosted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), although all the games will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has approved the schedule. The matches are currently set for September 13, 15 and 17.

ACB Seeks September 14 Match

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has approached the BCCI with a request to move either the first or second T20I to September 14, the day of Ganesh Chaturthi. The ACB believes the festival could help bring more fans to the stadium despite the match falling on a Monday.
However, the final call rests with the BCCI. If approved, one of the matches scheduled for September 13 or 15 could be moved to September 14. No change has been confirmed yet.

Request Made to ACB

ITW Universe, the official global rights holder of the series, had earlier written to the ACB to ask whether the schedule could be changed. ITW founder Bhairav Shanth requested that one of the matches be played on Monday, September 14.

“As a media rights and production partner deeply invested in the success of this series, ITW Universe respectfully requests the ACB to consider a modest but meaningful adjustment to the current schedule so that one of the three matches falls on Monday, 14 September 2026, Ganesh Chaturthi,” ITW founder Bhairav Shanth wrote in a letter to ACB CEO Naseeb Khan.

He suggested September 11, 13 and 14 as the preferred dates. Another option was September 13, 14 and either September 16 or 17.

“Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most widely observed and emotionally significant festivals in India, a day of new beginnings, devotion and collective celebration. By offering to stage a match on this date, the Afghanistan Cricket Board would be making a thoughtful and gracious gesture that goes beyond the playing field.”

“It would demonstrate respect for Indian culture and the sentiments of Indian cricket lovers, and reinforce the spirit of goodwill that underpins the BCCI–ACB relationship,” Shanth further added.
Shanth said the change would give fans a chance to watch an India match during Ganesh Chaturthi. He also said it would demonstrate respect for Indian culture and strengthen the ties between the BCCI and ACB.

The India-Afghanistan T20I series is part of a three-format bilateral schedule between the two teams in 2026. India had already completed the ODI leg in June, winning the three-match series 3-0.
Follow Cricbites for the latest cricket updates, match schedules, player news, records, rankings and expert insights from around the world.