Afghanistan will host Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in an extensive UAE-based international programme featuring Tests, ODIs and T20Is.
Afghanistan have announced an extensive multi-format international programme involving Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, with matches scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates during October and November 2026. The schedule includes a one-off Test, an ODI tri-nation series, a three-match T20I series and a two-match Test series.
The programme will begin with Afghanistan facing Bangladesh in a one-off Test from October 9 to 13. The match will provide both sides with an opportunity to gain valuable red-ball experience and prepare for further international assignments later in the season.
The two nations will then join Zimbabwe for an ODI tri-nation series. The tournament will run from October 17 to 23, with Zimbabwe opening the competition against Bangladesh before facing Afghanistan. Afghanistan and Bangladesh will then meet in the final league fixture.
The top two teams from the tri-nation series will qualify for the final on October 23. The competition therefore provides all three teams with an important opportunity to test their ODI combinations in a competitive multi-team environment.
Following the ODI competition, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will continue their bilateral programme with a three-match T20I series. The matches are scheduled for October 27, October 30 and November 1, giving both teams an opportunity to fine-tune their shortest-format squads.
The programme will conclude with two Tests between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. The first Test is scheduled from November 5 to 9, followed by the second from November 13 to 17. The extended schedule will therefore give the teams significant international exposure across all three formats.
Afghanistan Cricket Board chief executive Naseeb Khan welcomed the announcement and highlighted the value of playing Bangladesh and Zimbabwe across different formats. The series will also give Afghanistan the opportunity to continue building their international profile while playing home-designated fixtures in the UAE.
For Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, the programme provides a demanding combination of ODI and red-ball cricket. The tri-nation series in particular will offer valuable preparation and competitive experience before the teams move into their respective future international commitments.
With cricket spread across October and November, the Afghanistan-Bangladesh-Zimbabwe programme promises a busy period of international action. Fans can expect a mixture of strategic ODI cricket, high-intensity T20 contests and longer Test battles as the three teams compete in the UAE.
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