The first T20I between India and Afghanistan will be played as scheduled on September 13 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, despite concerns raised by Delhi Traffic Police over the city's security and traffic arrangements during the BRICS Summit.

The BRICS Summit is scheduled at Bharat Mandapam on September 12 and 13, while the cricket match is also scheduled for September 13. The two venues are around five kilometres apart, raising concerns over possible traffic congestion and movement of foreign delegates, diplomats and VVIPs.

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), however, said after discussions with the traffic authorities that the necessary arrangements would be made and there was no change to the match schedule.

DDCA Confirms Match Will Go Ahead

The DDCA held a meeting with Delhi Traffic Police on Thursday following the latter's request to consider postponing the September 13 match.

After the meeting, the cricket body said it had received assurances regarding the required cooperation and arrangements. The first T20I will therefore take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on the originally announced date.

The decision means fans will not have to deal with a last-minute change to the fixture.

Why Delhi Police Raised Security Concerns

Delhi Traffic Police had written to the DDCA on September 9, asking officials to consider moving the match to another date.

The police cited the expected movement of a large number of international delegates, diplomats and VVIPs during the BRICS Summit. Security arrangements for the summit are expected to involve route regulation, traffic diversions, route clearance and deployment of additional personnel.

At the same time, the match could attract an estimated 25,000 to 35,000 spectators, creating an additional traffic-management challenge in central Delhi.

Stadium Located Near Bharat Mandapam

The Arun Jaitley Stadium is located roughly five kilometres from Bharat Mandapam, the venue for the BRICS Summit.

Both locations are connected through central Delhi routes, where VVIP movements during the summit could result in restrictions and diversions. Authorities have also issued traffic-related advisories for the period.

Schools and government offices are expected to remain closed during the summit as part of arrangements to manage movement across the capital.

Three T20Is Scheduled From September 13

The India-Afghanistan series consists of three T20Is, scheduled for September 13, 15 and 17.

All three matches will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, with the opening game scheduled to begin at 7 pm on September 13.

Afghanistan is officially the host of the series even though all three matches are being played in India. As a result, Afghanistan will be listed as the home side and India as the visiting team.

Cricket Fixtures Have Faced Security Issues

Indian cricket has previously witnessed changes to fixtures because of security concerns and political situations.

The 1991 India-Pakistan series was cancelled after the Wankhede Stadium pitch in Mumbai was damaged amid protests. In 1992-93, an international match in Ahmedabad was cancelled following the demolition of the Babri Masjid and subsequent communal violence.

In 1999, a Test between India and Pakistan scheduled in Delhi was moved to Chennai after the Feroz Shah Kotla pitch was dug up during a political protest.

The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks also affected India's cricket calendar. England left the tour temporarily, while the remaining ODIs were cancelled and Test venues were changed.

September 13 Match Now Set

With the DDCA confirming that the necessary arrangements will be made, the first India-Afghanistan T20I remains scheduled for September 13.

The immediate challenge for authorities will be coordinating spectator movement with the extensive security and traffic requirements associated with the BRICS Summit.

For cricket fans, the key takeaway is clear: the first T20I will be played in Delhi on September 13 as planned. Attention will now turn to security coordination, traffic management and the smooth movement of spectators and international delegates across central Delhi.