FIFA 2026 tech to be used for Afghanistan-India T20I series

FIFA World Cup 2026 production technology, personnel and knowhow will be used for next month’s three-match Afghanistan-India T20I series in New Delhi. ITW Universe, which holds the rights to the series, is elevating its production to the standards used at the recently concluded FIFA World Cup, the biggest sporting event on the planet, says the company.

“This is the first time a bilateral cricket series will be produced to full FIFA World Cup host-broadcast standards. The same individuals who directed the FIFA World Cup Final and multiple UEFA Champions League Finals will lead the gallery,” says a statement from the rights holder. The three-match series, to be played on September 13, 15 and 17, will be telecast live on Sony Sports and streamed on FanCode.

AI-stabilised POV cameras, volumetric free-viewpoint technology, advanced Spidercam, ultra-motion and cine-style storytelling will be among the new features in the production. The series will be directed by Jamie Oakford, who has directed every FIFA World Cup since 2002, including the 2014 Final. “We endorse his philosophy, which is to give the viewer the best seat in the house,” said ITW Universe founder Bhairav Shanth.

The series will use Quidich Innovation Labs’ Spatio system, which delivers broadcast-grade augmented reality overlaid on a stabilised drone feed, combined with real-time optical player tracking. It enables unique field-placement graphics, strategy visualisation and storytelling angles, showcasing the best of Indian cricket production.

Another feature is a dedicated ultra-slow-motion camera system (Emperor-style or Phantom class) that captures deliveries, bat contact, edges, stumpings and fielding at 600 frames per second and above. The result is dramatic, almost forensic-quality replays that can become signature moments of the broadcast.

The volumetric Free Viewpoint technology is the use of a network of cameras that will create a real-time 3D digital twin of the entire pitch and every player. Broadcasters can then place a virtual camera anywhere — even inside the action — to create free-viewpoint replays. “We want to move away from the same old production technology that has been used in cricket for the last 10-12 years,” says Shanth. “The series will give new experiences to the viewers and brands.”

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