ATN secures exclusive rights to broadcast Afghanistan Tour of India

Ariana Television Network (ATN) has secured the exclusive rights to broadcast Afghanistan’s upcoming cricket tour of India, bringing live coverage of both the historic one-off Test match and the three-match ODI series to millions of viewers across Afghanistan.

The tour begins on June 6 with a one-off Test match in New Chandigarh before the teams meet in a three-match ODI series from June 13 to June 20 in Dharamsala, Lucknow and Chennai.

The series marks another major sporting acquisition for ATN, which has continued to expand its sports broadcasting portfolio while strengthening support for Afghan athletes and national sporting events.

Over recent years, the ATN has become a key platform for sports fans in Afghanistan through its coverage of international tournaments, bilateral cricket series and franchise competitions including the Indian Premier League.

Afghanistan and India will meet in only their second-ever Test match.

Their first encounter came in Bengaluru in 2018, when India secured victory by an innings and 262 runs. Since then, Afghanistan has continued to develop in the longer format, recording four Test victories in its short history.

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead both the Test and ODI squads during the tour. However, star spinner Rashid Khan and top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran have been rested for the Test match.

Rashid previously revealed doctors had advised him to reduce his red-ball workload, while Ibrahim is recovering from a leg injury. Both players are expected to return for the ODI series.

The Afghan Test squad includes maiden call-ups for Nangyal Kharotai, Bilal Sami and Rahmanullah Zadran, while spinner Qais Ahmad returns to the side.

India, meanwhile, has named several new faces for the series as part of its transition planning ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup. The hosts have handed maiden Test call-ups to left-arm spinners Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey, as well as fast bowler Gurnoor Brar.

The ODI squad also includes exciting pace prospect Prince Yadav, who impressed during IPL 2026, while senior stars Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya are set to return for the 50-over matches subject to fitness clearance.

ATN’s continued investment in sports broadcasting has played a major role in growing access to live international sport in Afghanistan, particularly cricket, which remains the country’s most popular sport.

The network has regularly highlighted Afghan sporting achievements and provided extensive coverage of national team campaigns, helping connect fans across the country with international competition.

Fans are encouraged to follow Ariana Television and Ariana News on social media in order to stay up-to-date with broadcast schedules and other key information.