Sony Sports Network has officially secured the television broadcasting rights for the upcoming three-match T20I series between India and Afghanistan. The global rights holder, ITW Universe, finalized the deal with Sony following discussions with other major industry players, including JioStar and Zee Unite8. A senior ITW Universe official confirmed the development, noting that digital rights for the series remain with FanCode.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is hosting the three fixtures at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) having already granted formal approval for the current schedule of September 13, 15, and 17. However, pressure is mounting on ACB CEO Naseeb Khan to modify these dates to ensure one match coincides with Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14.
Bhairav Shanth, founder of ITW Universe, formally requested the adjustment in a letter to Khan, emphasizing the cultural significance of the festival. Shanth proposed two potential revised schedules: either Friday, September 11, Sunday, September 13, and Monday, September 14, or alternatively, September 13, September 14, and either September 16 or 17. He noted, “Both options preserve a tight three-match window and require only a modest shift from the currently confirmed dates.”
In his appeal, Shanth argued that hosting a match on the day of the festival would be a gracious gesture toward Indian cricket fans. “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,” he stated. The proposal aims to honor a day of significant devotion and celebration, potentially strengthening the ties between the two cricket boards through this symbolic scheduling change.
Meanwhile, requests have gone to Naseeb Khan, the CEO of Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), to adjust the games so that one match can be played on September 14, the day of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Had reported about this on August 11.
“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 th
