Afghanistan will host Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in an extensive international cricket programme in the United Arab Emirates during October and November. The Afghanistan Cricket Board announced the schedule on Tuesday, featuring Tests, One-Day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals.
The action will begin with a one-off Test match between Afghanistan and Bangladesh from October 9 to 13. Afterwards, the three teams will compete in an ODI tri-nation series from October 17 to 23.
Each side will face the other once during the league stage. Subsequently, the top two teams will qualify for the final, scheduled for October 23.
Tri-Nation Series and T20I Matches Scheduled
Following the ODI competition, Afghanistan will take on Zimbabwe in a three-match T20I series. The matches are set for October 27, October 29 and November 1.
The two teams will then contest a two-Test series to conclude the programme. The first Test will begin on November 5, while the second match will take place from November 13 to 17.
Afghanistan Cricket Board Chief Executive Naseeb Khan welcomed the schedule. He said the series would provide valuable competitive opportunities for Afghan players across all formats.
Officials Welcome Multi-Format Competition
Bangladesh Cricket Board CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury also praised the programme. He noted that the Test match would give Bangladesh players valuable red-ball experience in UAE conditions.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni described the fixtures as important preparation. He particularly highlighted the value of the two-Test series as Zimbabwe seeks more opportunities in the longest format.
The programme will strengthen cricketing ties among Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. Furthermore, it will provide nearly six weeks of international cricket across formats. The UAE schedule also offers Afghanistan a neutral venue for hosting its international commitments.
