The Afghanistan Cricket Board will host Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series in the UAE in November. Initially, Bangladesh declined to tour due to heat concerns, but the series has been rescheduled. Both teams view this series as essential for their preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2024.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially announced that it will host the Bangladesh national team for a three-match One Day International (ODI) series in the United Arab Emirates this coming November. As of now, the specific cities where these matches will take place have not been disclosed. This series represents a revised iteration of a comprehensive tour that had been previously planned for earlier this year between Afghanistan and Bangladesh, as outlined in the International Cricket Council’s Future Tours Programme (FTP). Initially, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) declined the invitation to tour the UAE or India in late June, citing concerns over the excessive heat typically experienced during the summer months in these regions. Consequently, the tour underwent rescheduling and is now set to consist solely of three ODIs on November 6, 9, and 11. The ACB has emphasized that the upcoming ODI series is vital for both teams as they prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled to occur in Pakistan next February. Furthermore, BCB president Faruque Ahmed expressed a keen interest in organizing three ODIs against Afghanistan en route to their forthcoming tour of the West Indies. As it stands, Bangladesh has accumulated limited ODI experience in 2024, having played only three ODIs thus far this year and scheduled for three additional matches against the West Indies later in the year. The BCB has articulated concerns regarding the adequacy of this preparation ahead of the Champions Trophy, with President Ahmed noting, “I spoke to the officials of Afghanistan Cricket Board in Kuala Lumpur recently. We were trying to schedule three one-day matches against Afghanistan on our way to the West Indies.” Following the completion of the ODI series with Afghanistan, Bangladesh will proceed to the Caribbean for a tour encompassing two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is, slated to commence in mid-November. Conversely, Afghanistan has already engaged in eight ODIs this year and will subsequently embark on a series against Zimbabwe, following their matches with Bangladesh.
In recent months, cricket scheduling has faced numerous adjustments due to climatic conditions and logistical considerations. The relationship between Afghanistan and Bangladesh in cricket has been highlighted by their mutual interests in competitive fixture arrangements, particularly in the lead-up to important international tournaments. The ICC Champions Trophy represents a significant opportunity for both teams to enhance their performance and standings ahead of international play. In addition, the importance of ODI series as preparatory matches is acknowledged by both cricket boards, especially for teams like Bangladesh that have limited match exposure in a calendar year.
The upcoming ODI series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh represents a critical opportunity for both nations as they prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy. While Bangladesh seeks to augment its limited ODI experience in 2024, Afghanistan continues its competitive journey with additional international matches on the horizon. This series not only serves as a competitive platform but also enhances bilateral cricket relations between the two teams ahead of the prestigious tournament.
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