The Indian cricket team travelled to the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi without a security pilot or escort vehicle during their trip to and from a training session. The development comes ahead of their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, with the opening game scheduled for Sunday, September 13.

Afghanistan are officially the hosts for the bilateral series, even though all three matches will take place in New Delhi. The arrangement has also led to an unusual dressing-room setup, with India using the visitors’ dressing room named after Prakash Bhandari, while Afghanistan will use the home team’s facilities.

Indian Team Travels Without Security Escort for Practice Session

The Indian cricket team travelled to the Arun Jaitley Stadium without a security pilot or escort vehicle while heading to and returning from their practice session. Ray Sportz Cricket shared the development in a post on X, stating:

“Indian Team didn't have any security pilot or escort vehicle with them at Arun Jaitley Stadium while coming to and going back from the practice session.”

Indian Team didn't have any security pilot or escort vehicle with them at Arun Jaitley Stadium while coming to and going back from the practice session.
breaks @abhishereporter
Join us LIVE now 👇https://t.co/9hVHWMZ4yh #TeamIndia #AFGvsIND

— Ray Sportz Cricket (@raysportz_cric) September 10, 2026

The absence of the usual escort comes amid heavy security arrangements in the national capital for the BRICS Summit. With several VVIP movements and traffic restrictions in place, security agencies are managing additional responsibilities across Delhi.

Delhi Faces Heavy Security Deployment Ahead of Afghanistan T20I

The BRICS Summit has placed significant demands on the Delhi administration, with extensive traffic restrictions and VVIP route arrangements across the capital. These additional security requirements have also created challenges around the movement of the Indian team ahead of the series opener.

The Delhi Traffic Police had earlier asked the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) to consider rescheduling the September 13 match because of the security arrangements. The summit is scheduled to conclude on the same day, creating an additional challenge for authorities.

The areas around the Arun Jaitley Stadium, including DDU Marg, BSZ Marg, Minto Road and Kamla Market, already experience heavy traffic. The expected crowd of around 25,000 to 35,000 spectators could further increase pressure on the available roads and parking arrangements.

DDCA Confirms India vs Afghanistan T20I Will Go Ahead

Despite the concerns, the DDCA has confirmed that the series opener will take place as scheduled. The association said it received assurance from the police regarding security and crowd-management arrangements around the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

The authorities will therefore have to manage the match and the summit-related security requirements simultaneously on September 13. Police personnel will oversee the movement of VVIPs while also managing the arrival of thousands of fans at the stadium.

Afghanistan are officially the hosts for the three-match T20I series, although all three games will take place in New Delhi. The second T20I is scheduled for September 15, followed by the third on September 17.

India have dominated the head-to-head record against Afghanistan in T20Is, winning eight of their nine meetings. The other match produced no result, and Afghanistan are still searching for their first T20I victory over India.