Afghanistan set extensive UAE cricket schedule

Bangladesh, Zimbabwe tour UAE for Tests, ODIs and T20Is across two months Photo: AFP Afghanistan will host Bangladesh and Zimbabwe for an extensive international cricket programme in the United Arab Emirates during October and November, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said on Tuesday. The schedule will begin with a one-off Test against Bangladesh from October 9-13, followed by an ODI tri-nation series involving Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe from October 17-23. Each team will play the other once in the three-match league phase, with the top two sides advancing to the final on October 23. Afghanistan will then face Zimbabwe in a three-match Twenty20 international series, with matches scheduled for October 27, October 29 and November 1. The two sides will conclude the programme with a two-Test series, beginning on November 5 and followed by the second Test from November 13-17. ACB Chief Executive Naseeb Khan said the programme would provide Afghanistan with valuable competition across all three formats while offering supporters an extended period of international cricket. 'Playing Bangladesh and Zimbabwe across different formats will provide our players with valuable competitive opportunities,' Khan said. Bangladesh Cricket Board CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury said the Test against Afghanistan would give his players their first experience of red-ball cricket in the UAE. He added that Afghanistan's record in UAE conditions would provide Bangladesh with a demanding challenge, while describing the tri-nation series as a potentially competitive tournament. Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni also welcomed the schedule, saying the ODI series would provide quality competition while the two Tests would be particularly valuable as Zimbabwe seek more regular opportunities in the longest format. The programme will strengthen cricketing ties between Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe while giving all three sides significant multi-format preparation. The UAE-based schedule also provides Afghanistan with a neutral venue for hosting its international commitments, with the three teams set for nearly six weeks of cricket across Tests, ODIs and T20Is.