Sports Desk:

Afghanistan is planning to host Bangladesh for a white-ball series in October, a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official confirmed.

The two boards are in discussions regarding the series, which was initially scheduled for July 2024 in Greater Noida but was postponed at the BCB’s request. At that time, both boards agreed to reschedule the matches as soon as a suitable window became available.

Afghanistan was originally set to host two Test matches, along with three ODIs and three T20Is in July 2024. However, the series was postponed due to the BCB’s concerns over player workload management. Later, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) proposed holding three ODIs and three T20Is between July 25 and August 6.

However, the tour did not go ahead as planned, as the BCB deemed the weather in that region unsuitable for international cricket during the monsoon season, which typically lasts from June to September in the subcontinent.

“We have already begun discussions with the Afghanistan Cricket Board regarding the postponed series and hope to finalize details after Ramadan. We are considering playing three T20Is as part of our preparation for the T20 World Cup,” a BCB official involved in scheduling on Friday.

It is understood that the BCB is targeting October 2–12 for the series.

When contacted, ACB officials echoed the same sentiment, confirming that discussions are ongoing between the two boards.

“If you look at the FTP, you’ll see that there is a slot from October 2–12. We are currently in discussions to finalize the dates and itinerary,” an ACB official stated.

Earlier, Bangladesh and Afghanistan played a three-match ODI series in November as part of their preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, both boards remain keen to reschedule the two-match Test series at a later date, as it was originally part of the full-fledged series planned for July 2024.