Afghanistan will host Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series in the UAE from November 6 to 11. This series replaces a previously scheduled all-format tour due to concerns from Bangladesh regarding the climate in potential host countries. Both cricket boards have agreed on the importance of this series in the preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy. Afghanistan is currently experiencing a successful run in cricket, highlighted by recent victories against South Africa.
Afghanistan is preparing to host Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates in November. Although the specific stadiums have yet to be announced, this series is a modification of the original all-format tour planned earlier this year in accordance with the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Future Tours Programme (FTP). The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) opted not to travel to the UAE and India due to concerns regarding the extreme temperatures commonly experienced in those regions. Consequently, the series has been streamlined to only include three One Day Internationals (ODIs), which will be held on November 6, 9, and 11. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) stated, “Following extensive discussions, both boards have agreed to proceed with just the ODI leg, which will be crucial in both teams’ preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy, which is set to take place in Pakistan in February next year,” indicating the mutual agreement on the framework of the tour. President of the BCB, Faruque Ahmed, confirmed recent meetings with ACB officials during the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) discussions in Malaysia, expressing interest in the ODI matches against Afghanistan. This year, Bangladesh has only played three ODIs, with plans for three additional games later in the year against the West Indies. Afghanistan is currently in remarkable form, buoyed by their historic performance during the T20 World Cup. They recently gained recognition by achieving their first-ever series victory against a top-five ICC-ranked team, defeating South Africa in the UAE. The Afghan side remarkably won the first two matches of the Sharjah series by six wickets and a substantial 177 runs, with South Africa managing to win only in the final encounter. Following the series against Bangladesh, Afghanistan is scheduled to tour Zimbabwe in December for an all-format series.
The upcoming ODI series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh arises amidst a backdrop of prior scheduling conflicts and logistical considerations. Initially, the two teams were to engage in an all-format tour earlier in 2023, but this was altered due to Bangladesh’s decision against traveling to territories with unsuitable weather conditions such as the UAE and India. This three-match ODI series is essential for both teams as they prepare for the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy, where performance will be pivotal. Afghanistan’s recent cricketing success, particularly against South Africa, highlights their developing stature in international cricket, making this series an important benchmark.
In conclusion, Afghanistan is set to host Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series in the UAE, taking place from November 6 to 11. The series is a significant adjustment from an originally planned all-format tour and serves as an important preparation step for both teams ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. The mutual understanding and cooperation between the Afghanistan and Bangladesh cricket boards underscore the importance of international engagement in the sport, particularly given the contrasting climates they are navigating. Following this outing, Afghanistan will further bolster their preparations by touring Zimbabwe in December.
Original Source: thenewsmill.com
