Afghanistan will host Bangladesh for three ODIs in the UAE this November, adjusted from an earlier all-format tour. The series is vital for both teams’ preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2024. Bangladesh had initially declined the tour due to summer heat but has since agreed to participate. The BCB expresses concerns over limited ODI experience in 2024, aiming for better preparation before their Caribbean tour.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced that it will host Bangladesh for a three-match One Day International (ODI) series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this upcoming November. However, the specific locations for these matches have yet to be disclosed. This series represents a revised format of a comprehensive tour that was originally planned earlier this year between the two nations, as per the International Cricket Council’s Future Tours Programme (FTP). Initially, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) declined to tour the UAE or India in late June, expressing concerns regarding the extreme summer temperatures in those regions. As a result, the tour was postponed and subsequently restructured to consist solely of three ODIs scheduled for November 6, 9, and 11. The ACB has emphasized the importance of this ODI series for both teams as they prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy, which is to be held in Pakistan next February. BCB president Faruque Ahmed had previously indicated interest in arranging three ODIs against Afghanistan as part of their travel itinerary to the West Indies. As of now, Bangladesh has participated in only three ODIs in 2024, with three additional matches against the West Indies planned for later this year. The BCB has expressed concern that this limited exposure may not suffice as adequate preparation for the Champions Trophy. Ahmed noted, “I spoke to the officials of the 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 their ODI series with Afghanistan, Bangladesh will proceed to the Caribbean for a tour that includes two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is, commencing in mid-November. Meanwhile, Afghanistan has already completed eight ODIs this year and will proceed to face Zimbabwe for a full tour after the series with Bangladesh.
In recent years, Afghanistan and Bangladesh have been active participants in international cricket, with both teams seeking opportunities to enhance their competitive edge. The ICC Champions Trophy is a significant tournament that offers a platform for teams to demonstrate their skills against some of the best in the world. The ACB and BCB’s decision to schedule this series reflects their strategic planning in preparation for this prestigious event, particularly as they both look to secure favorable outcomes and bolster their international standings.
In summary, the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s announcement of a three-match ODI series against Bangladesh in the UAE this November marks a critical step for both teams as they gear up for the ICC Champions Trophy. Despite initial hesitations from Bangladesh to tour the UAE due to climatic concerns, the decision to proceed with these ODIs underscores the importance of international experience ahead of a major tournament. This series will serve as essential preparation for both cricketing nations as they aim for success in their upcoming international engagements.
Original Source: www.newsbytesapp.com
