(Cricket News) The Afghanistan Cricket Board released the schedule for the country’s all-formats away tour of Sri Lanka on Sunday. The itinerary includes a one-off Test, three ODIs, and three Twenty20 Internationals; after that, Afghanistan will play three ODIs, three T20Is, and one Test before traveling to the United Arab Emirates to play Ireland in a full series of one Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is.
The one-off Test will take place at the SSC in Colombo from February 2 to 6, the three ODIs will be held at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 9, 11, and 14. The teams will then travel to Dambulla for the three Twenty-Is, which will be played on February 17, 19, and 21.
The first match of the series against Ireland is the Test, which is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi from February 28 to March 3. The ODIs and T20Is will also be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium; the dates of the ODI matches are March 7, 9, and 12, and the dates of the T20Is are March 15, 17, and 18.
“The addition of these three ODIs is a significant move to ensure a complete and comprehensive tour which not only provides good exposure for Afghanistan Cricket but will also foster stronger relations between the two nations.
Playing Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka is always tricky but is a challenge that Afghan Atalan can easily embrace,” said ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf. Originally, the tour of Sri Lanka only included the Test and the three Twenty20 Internationals. However, the ACB held talks with the SLC to facilitate the addition of the three ODIs.
“The year 2024 is a very busy and full of highly voltage competitions for the Afghanistan National Team which is a very good and positive sign for Afghanistan Cricket,” ACB CEO Naseem Khan continued.
“We are eagerly looking forward to the multiple series upfront.” The team will be well-prepared for the crucial T20 World Cup thanks to the impending tours of India and Sri Lanka and the home series against Ireland.”
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