'They particularly praised our pitch' - DDCA Director lauds Afghanistan T20I experience

India completed a 3-0 clean sweep against Afghanistan with a commanding 127-run victory in the final T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday, September 18. The hosts posted 221 for 7, with Abhishek Sharma scoring a record-breaking 108 off just 34 balls. Afghanistan's chase fell well short, concluding the three-match series that ran from September 13 to 17, 2026.

DDCA Director Shyam Sunder reflected on the experience of hosting the series at the board's own venue. Speaking to the media, Sunder expressed satisfaction with how the event unfolded and the reception from the visiting delegation.

"We were hosting a match at our own stadium for the first time, and it was a great experience. We tried to provide excellent facilities, and the entire Afghanistan Cricket Board and their team were happy and full of praise. They particularly praised our pitch, which was very gratifying... It wasn't just the Afghan fans; the Delhi crowd appreciated good bowling and batting alike, applauding enthusiastically. There was no sense of discrimination regarding the visiting team; the atmosphere was fantastic." Sunder said as quoted by NDTV Sports.

"They are a very good team. The initiative to promote Afghan cricket was Jay Shah's vision. He has done a tremendous job promoting cricket in all associate nations... That effort is now bearing fruit," he added.

The DDCA director's remarks highlighted the positive reception the Afghanistan delegation gave to the facilities and ground conditions provided during the series. The pitch quality drew particular commendation from the visiting team, a point Sunder emphasised as especially meaningful for the board's hosting efforts.

DDCA's commitment to Afghanistan cricket

DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma also reflected on the significance of the series outcome and the board's role as hosts. He noted that the victory held special importance for Indian cricket after previous series losses, and he underscored the board's commitment to supporting Afghanistan cricket.

"It is a matter of great joy that India won the series. After losing the previous two series, a victory brings happiness to the entire nation. Since the DDCA served as the host, the series went very well; the Afghanistan management will surely take back the experience and share with their country how India embodies the spirit of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' (treating the guest as God). We have invited them to return, assuring them that whenever they need support to promote Afghanistan cricket in Delhi, the DDCA, through the BCCI, will always stand by them," Sharma said.