Afghanistan Readies for Triumphant ODI Series Against Bangladesh in UAE

Afghanistan and Bangladesh will clash in a three-match ODI series in the UAE this November. The matches will prepare both teams for the ICC Champions Trophy. The series replaces an earlier all-format tour, with the games scheduled for November 6, 9, and 11.

Afghanistan is set to face Bangladesh in a three-match ODI series in the United Arab Emirates this November, marking a significant event on both teams' calendars. The specific stadiums for the matches have yet to be announced, but the series is a replacement for the all-format tour initially planned for earlier this year under the ICC's Future Tours Programme (FTP).

The change stemmed from the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) refusal to travel to the UAE and India due to high temperatures. Consequently, the series has been trimmed down to just three ODIs, scheduled for November 6, 9, and 11. "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, set to take place in Pakistan in February next year," stated the Afghanistan Cricket Board in a press release.

BCB President Faruque Ahmed confirmed a meeting with Afghanistan Cricket Board officials at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in Malaysia. Bangladesh, eager to play more 50-over games, welcomed the idea. The Afghan team is riding high on a wave of success, notably their historic T20 World Cup campaign and an unprecedented series victory against South Africa in the UAE. Afghanistan will follow up the ODI series against Bangladesh with an all-format tour in Zimbabwe in December.

(With inputs from agencies.)