The upcoming white-ball series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh, initially planned for Greater Noida later this month, is facing a postponement. This decision comes following a request from the Bangladesh Cricket Board due to concerns over unfavorable weather conditions for international matches.
Both cricket boards are collaborating to identify a suitable window to reschedule the series, comprising three T20Is and three ODIs. However, scheduling challenges loom large, especially for Bangladesh, with a busy itinerary that includes a Test series in Pakistan in August, followed by home series and away fixtures against India, South Africa, and the West Indies.
Originally, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) slated the series at the Shahid Pathik Singh Stadium in Greater Noida, a venue the team used to frequent before the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, Afghanistan has primarily played its ‘home‘ games in the UAE. However, discussions during the ODI World Cup led to ACB officials seeking to host matches in India again.
Responding to this request, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) allocated ACB facilities in Kanpur and Greater Noida. While ACB officials explore additional Indian venues, they have finalized agreements with the BCCI for these two grounds.
The Shahid Pathik Singh Stadium in Greater Noida last hosted an international match in March 2020, just before the pandemic-induced lockdown. With preparations underway and negotiations ongoing, both boards aim to secure a new schedule that accommodates logistical complexities and ensures a successful series when conditions permit.
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