Afghanistan to host Bangladesh for 3 ODIs in UAE: Details
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has revealed it will be hosting Bangladesh for a three-match One Day International (ODI) series in the United Arab Emirates this November. However, the exact cities for these matches haven't been shared yet. This series is a revamped version of an all-format tour that was initially on the cards between the two countries earlier this year, according to the International Cricket Council's Future Tours Programme (FTP).
Bangladesh's initial refusal to tour UAE
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) initially turned down a tour to the UAE or India in late June this year to play against Afghanistan, citing the intense summer heat in those regions. Consequently, the tour was pushed back and later restructured to feature only three ODIs on November 6, 9, and 11.
ODI series crucial for both teams
The ACB has said that the upcoming ODI series holds great significance for both teams as they gear up for the ICC Champions Trophy, which is set to take place in Pakistan next February. BCB president Faruque Ahmed had also shown interest in arranging three ODIs against Afghanistan on their way to the West Indies.
Bangladesh's limited ODI experience in 2024
Up until now in 2024, Bangladesh have only played three ODIs. They're set to play three more against the West Indies later this year. But the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) feels that's not enough prep time for the Champions Trophy. Ahmed said, "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."
Bangladesh and Afghanistan's upcoming tours
After wrapping up the ODI series with Afghanistan, Bangladesh are all set to hit the Caribbean for a tour that includes two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is from mid-November. Speaking of Afghanistan, they've already played eight ODIs this year. After facing Bangladesh in November, they'll be off to face Zimbabwe for a full-fledged series.
