The upcoming three-match T20I series between India and Afghanistan is set to bring a completely different broadcast experience to cricket fans. The series, scheduled for September 13, 15 and 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, will use broadcast technology and production expertise associated with the FIFA World Cup 2026. ITW Universe will handle the production and deliver the matches using host-broadcast standards inspired by football’s biggest tournament.
The series will also mark a significant occasion for Afghan cricket, as the Afghanistan Cricket Board will host a bilateral series against India for the first time. However, ongoing geopolitical challenges have made it difficult for Afghanistan to stage the matches at home. As a result, the BCCI and the Delhi and District Cricket Association have selected the Arun Jaitley Stadium as the temporary venue.
ITW Universe plans to introduce several advanced technologies to the coverage, including 3D replays, augmented reality, cinematic storytelling, and innovative camera systems. The production team will be led by Jamie Oakford, who has directed every FIFA World Cup since 2002, including the 2014 final between Germany and Argentina. The team has also worked on several UEFA Champions League finals.
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Sony Sports will broadcast the series on television, while FanCode will provide digital streaming. ITW Universe founder Bhairav Shanth said the aim is to move beyond conventional cricket coverage and provide viewers with a more immersive experience.
One of the biggest attractions will be volumetric free-viewpoint technology. A network of cameras will create a real-time 3D digital representation of the pitch and players, allowing broadcasters to position virtual cameras at almost any location. This could produce unique replays from angles rarely seen in traditional cricket broadcasts.
🚨 India vs Afghanistan T20Is to get FIFA World Cup-level broadcast technology! 🇮🇳🇦🇫🏏
The series will reportedly feature AI-stabilised POV cameras, advanced Spidercam, volumetric free-viewpoint tech, 600+ FPS slow-mo, drone + AR graphics and real-time player tracking.
Bhairav… pic.twitter.com/GDvJAYvpYI
— Ashutosh (@thegeo_sync) August 19, 2026
The coverage will also feature the Spatio system from Quidich Innovation Labs. The technology combines stabilised drone footage, augmented reality and real-time optical player tracking to map movements across the field. These systems will allow broadcasters to display detailed field-placement graphics, illustrate tactical plans, and explain bowling or batting strategies in a more engaging manner. AI-stabilised POV cameras and an advanced Spidercam setup will provide additional perspectives.
Another highlight will be an ultra-slow-motion system capable of recording at 600 frames per second and beyond. Emperor-style and Phantom-class cameras will capture moments such as high-speed deliveries, bat-ball contact, edges, stumpings, and spectacular fielding efforts in exceptional detail.
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With India and Afghanistan preparing for the Asian Games later in September, the T20I series will serve as an important competitive assignment. More importantly, the innovative broadcast setup could offer cricket fans a glimpse into how next-generation technology may transform live coverage of the sport.
