Afghanistan will host both Bangladesh and Zimbabwe across October and November in an extensive multi-format programme in the United Arab Emirates, featuring a one-off Test, an ODI Tri-Nation Series involving all three sides, and a three-match T20I series and two-match Test series against Zimbabwe.
Proceedings begin with the one-off Test between Afghanistan and Bangladesh from 9-13 October, before all three nations come together for the ODI Tri-Nation Series between 17 and 23 October.
Zimbabwe open their campaign against Bangladesh on 17 October, before facing hosts Afghanistan on 19 October. Afghanistan and Bangladesh then meet in the final league fixture on 21 October, with the top two sides progressing to the final on 23 October.
After the tri-series, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe switch to the shortest format for a three-match T20I series between 27 October and 1 November. The tour then concludes with a two-Test series between the two nations, running from 5-9 November and 13-17 November.
Afghanistan Cricket Board Chief Executive Officer Naseeb Khan welcomed the confirmation of the schedule.
"We are pleased to confirm this important period of international cricket for the Afghanistan National Team," he said. "Playing Bangladesh and Zimbabwe across different formats will provide our players with valuable competitive opportunities and offer our supporters an exciting period of international cricket.
Bangladesh Cricket Board Chief Executive Officer Nizam Uddin Chowdhury was similarly upbeat about the tour ahead, particularly the red-ball assignment.
"The Test match and the tri-nation series promise an exciting period of cricket for fans in both Bangladesh and Afghanistan," he said. "We attach great importance to Tests, and this will be an excellent opportunity for our players to experience red-ball cricket in the UAE for the first time and challenge themselves against a formidable Afghanistan side that has traditionally performed well in these conditions.
SCHEDULE
One-off Test
9-13 October: Afghanistan v Bangladesh
ODI Tri-Nation Series
17 October: Bangladesh v Zimbabwe
19 October: Afghanistan v Zimbabwe
21 October: Afghanistan v Bangladesh
23 October: Final
