Rain Delays Start of India vs Afghanistan First ODI in Dharamshala
The opening match of the three-game ODI series between India and Afghanistan has been postponed due to persistent rain, with a new start time yet to be announced.
The story
Persistent rain showers have delayed the toss and the start of the first One-Day International between India and Afghanistan at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium in Dharamshala. Groundsmen have kept the covers on the pitch and square, with officials assessing conditions as the weather slowly improves.
This marks the first bilateral ODI series between the two nations, who have previously only met in World Cups and Asia Cups in the 50-over format. India enters the series having won three of their four previous ODI encounters against Afghanistan, with one match ending in a tie.
The second ODI is scheduled for Wednesday in Lucknow, followed by the third on June 20 in Chennai. Fans await an update on when play might commence, or if the match will be rescheduled.
Series in play
Afghanistan tour of India 2026. 1st ODI, delayed by rain
Sri Lanka tour of West Indies 2026. 2nd T20I, scheduled for June 13
Australia tour of Bangladesh 2026. 3rd ODI, scheduled for June 13
Tables that matter
| Competition | Position | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ICC Men's Test Team Rankings (as of Jan 2026) | 1. Australia (124 rating), 2. South Africa (116), 3. England (112), 4. India (104) | Australia leads the Test rankings, while India is ranked fourth. |
| ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings (as of Jan 2026) | 1. India (121 rating), 2. New Zealand (113), 3. Australia (109) | India holds the top spot in the ODI rankings. |
| ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings (as of Jan 2026) | 1. India, 2. Australia, 3. England | India is the top-ranked T20I team, unbeaten in series since August 2023. |
| ICC World Test Championship (2025-27 Cycle) | 1. Australia (87.50 PCT), 2. South Africa (75.00 PCT), 3. Sri Lanka (66.67 PCT), 6. India (48.15 PCT) | Australia currently leads the WTC standings, with India in sixth position. |
What we'll be watching
- India vs Afghanistan: 1st ODI (if play resumes or is rescheduled today, June 13)
- West Indies vs Sri Lanka: 2nd T20I in Kingston (scheduled for June 13)
- Bangladesh vs Australia: 3rd ODI (scheduled for June 13)
- India vs Afghanistan: 2nd ODI in Lucknow (June 17)
- India tour of Ireland 2026 (June 2026)
- Bangladesh tour of Zimbabwe 2026 (June-July 2026)
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