For a few anxious hours, New Delhi braced for the possibility that cricket might have to make way for diplomacy.
With the BRICS Summit tightening security across the Capital, the first Twenty20 International between India and Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium briefly hung in the balance. Security concerns linked to the high-profile gathering led Delhi Police to explore the option of pushing the game back by a day.
That cloud has now lifted.
Late on Thursday, the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) moved to end the uncertainty, confirming that Sunday’s match will be played as originally scheduled on 13 September.
“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,” the association announced in a social media post.
The assurance from the traffic authorities proved decisive. With logistical and security backing formally in place, the fixture has been cleared to share the city’s spotlight with the diplomatic summit, rather than yield to it.
