Find out where to watch the Afghanistan vs UAE T20 World Cup live with this comprehensive guide. It includes information on official broadcasters, free streaming options, and tips on how to use a VPN to stream the match from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re watching on your TV, laptop, or mobile device, we’ve got everything you need to ensure you don’t miss a single ball.
Afghanistan takes on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a pivotal Group D clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Both teams have a history of competitive encounters, and this regional rivalry is set to ignite under the bright lights of Delhi. As they battle for a spot in the Super 8s, this match is a must-watch for fans of high-octane T20 cricket.
Match Overview: Players to Watch
This encounter features a fascinating mix of world-class stars and rising regional talent. Afghanistan is led by their legendary captain, Rashid Khan, a maestro on subcontinent pitches who is closing in on 700 career T20 wickets. He is supported by explosive opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, whose aggressive “Gurbazball” style can dominate the powerplay. For the UAE, captain Muhammad Waseem is the key; with over 3,200 T20I runs and a strike rate above 150, he has the power to take the game away from any opposition. UAE’s bowling will rely on the experience of Junaid Siddique to counter Afghanistan’s heavy hitters.
Match Details
Match: Afghanistan vs UAE (Match 28)
Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Date: Monday, February 16, 2026
Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, India
Start Time: 11:00 AM IST
Match Timing by Region
Region
Time
India (Local)
11:00 AM IST
Afghanistan (AFT)
10:00 AM AFT
UAE (GST)
9:30 AM GST
United Kingdom (GMT)
5:30 AM GMT
Canada (ET)
12:30 AM ET
United States (ET)
12:30 AM ET
Watch Afghanistan vs UAE from Afghanistan
Official Broadcaster
Lemar TV: This leading local channel provides dedicated live coverage of Afghanistan’s national team matches with Pashto and Dari commentary.
Stream Afghanistan vs UAE Live from the UAE
Official Broadcaster
CricLife Max (via StarzPlay): The exclusive broadcast home for the tournament in the UAE, offering premium HD coverage and match highlights.
Streaming Platform
StarzPlay: The official digital partner for the MENA region, providing high-quality live streaming across mobile and smart TV devices.
Afghanistan vs UAE from the UK
Official Broadcasters
Sky Sports Cricket: The premier destination for UK cricket fans, offering live HD coverage of every match with expert analysis.
Sky Sports Main Event: Provides additional coverage for major tournament fixtures, ensuring fans never miss a high-voltage moment.
Streaming Platforms
Sky Go: A convenient mobile and web app that allows existing Sky subscribers to stream the game live anywhere.
NOW: A flexible digital streaming service that offers Sky Sports access via affordable daily or monthly no-contract passes.
Watch Afghanistan vs UAE from Canada & the USA
Official Broadcaster
Willow TV: The primary broadcast home for ICC events in North America, delivering comprehensive coverage in both English and Hindi.
Streaming Platforms
Willow by Cricbuzz App: A specialized cricket streaming app that provides live match feeds, real-time stats, and exclusive digital content.
Sling TV: A popular US cord-cutting service that carries Willow TV in its Desi Binge and world sports packages.
Free & Legal Streaming Options
ICC.tv: Offers live and free streaming in “non-broadcast” territories where no local broadcaster holds exclusive rights.
JioHotstar (India): Provides free mobile-only streaming for major tournament fixtures, including all matches played on Indian soil.
Official Highlights: Available shortly after the final ball on the official ICC website and the T20 World Cup YouTube channel.
How to Watch the Game from Anywhere (Using a VPN)
If your favorite streaming service is blacked out because you are traveling, follow these simple steps to restore your access:
Secure a Subscription: Sign up for a reputable VPN provider that offers high-speed servers optimized for live sports.
Install the App: Download and launch the VPN software on your preferred device, such as your phone, laptop, or Smart TV.
Choose Your Region: Browse the server list and select a country where the match is being broadcast (e.g., pick a UK server for NOW or a US server for Willow).
Launch and Stream: Open your streaming application and enjoy the live cricket action without any location-based restrictions.
Best VPNs for T20 World Cup 2026
NordVPN: Our top recommendation for its “SmartPlay” technology that easily bypasses blocks on sports apps like Sky Go.
ExpressVPN: Offers ultra-reliable connections and fast speeds across 105+ countries, perfect for global cricket fans.
Surfshark: The best value option, allowing you to stream the World Cup on unlimited devices simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I watch Afghanistan vs UAE for free?
Yes, there are a few legal ways to watch for free. If you are in India, you can stream the match on the JioHotstar mobile app at no cost. Additionally, ICC.tv provides free live coverage in “non-broadcast” regions across Europe and South East Asia—though you may need a VPN to appear in one of these supported territories.
Why do I need a VPN to watch the T20 World Cup?
Broadcasting rights are sold by region, which means services like Sky Go (UK) or Willow TV (USA) are “geo-blocked” and only work within their respective countries. A VPN allows you to change your digital location, enabling you to access your paid home subscriptions or legal free streams while traveling abroad.
Which VPN server should I connect to for the best experience?
For the most reliable stream, connect to a server in the country where your chosen broadcaster is based. For example, use a London or Manchester server for Sky Sports/NOW, a New York or Los Angeles server for Willow, or a Mumbai server to access the free mobile stream on JioHotstar.
Is it legal to use a VPN to stream cricket matches?
Yes, using a VPN is legal in most countries. It is a privacy tool that allows you to access the content you already have a legal right to view (such as a subscription you pay for at home) while you are temporarily outside that region.
Will using a VPN slow down my live stream?
While all VPNs have some impact on speed, top-tier providers like NordVPN and ExpressVPN use advanced protocols (like WireGuard or Lightway) designed for high-speed 4K and HD streaming. These services ensure that you can watch the match with minimal buffering, even on slower hotel or public Wi-Fi.
Final Thoughts
With Rashid Khan’s spin magic and Muhammad Waseem’s power-hitting, this clash in Delhi is set to be an absolute thriller. Since it’s an 11:00 AM local start, expect the pitch to be at its most competitive before any afternoon heat sets in. To ensure a smooth experience, set up your VPN and log into your account at least 15 minutes before the toss.