Afghanistan-India T20Is set for major broadcast upgrade

The three-match Afghanistan-India T20I series in New Delhi will be produced using technology, personnel and expertise associated with the FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcast operation, according to series rights holder ITW Universe.

The matches, scheduled for September 13, 15 and 17, will be broadcast live on Sony Sports and streamed on FanCode. ITW Universe said the series would be the first bilateral cricket contest produced to full FIFA World Cup host-broadcast standards.

“This is the first time a bilateral cricket series will be produced to full FIFA World Cup host-broadcast standards,” the rights holder said.

Jamie Oakford, who has directed every FIFA World Cup since 2002, including the 2014 final, will direct the series. The production team will also include professionals who have worked on FIFA World Cup finals and multiple UEFA Champions League finals.

New camera angles and tactical visuals

The broadcast will feature AI-stabilised point-of-view cameras, an advanced Spidercam system, cine-style storytelling and dedicated ultra-motion cameras. The latter will capture deliveries, bat contact, edges, stumpings and fielding at 600 frames per second or more, allowing broadcasters to create highly detailed replays.

The series will also use Quidich Innovation Labs’ Spatio system, which combines a stabilised drone feed with broadcast-grade augmented reality and real-time optical player tracking. The technology is designed to support field-placement graphics, strategy visualisation and new storytelling angles.

Real-time 3D pitch replays

Volumetric free-viewpoint technology will use a network of cameras to create a real-time 3D digital twin of the pitch and players. Broadcasters will be able to position virtual cameras almost anywhere, including within the action, to produce immersive replays from unusual perspectives.

“We want to move away from the same old production technology that has been used in cricket for the last 10-12 years,” said ITW Universe founder Bhairav Shanth. “The series will give new experiences to the viewers and brands.”

Shanth said the production would follow Oakford’s philosophy of giving viewers “the best seat in the house” while showcasing a more advanced approach to Indian cricket coverage.