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Afghanistan will host Bangladesh and Zimbabwe for a packed all-format international schedule in the United Arab Emirates during October and November 2026. The programme will feature a one-off Test against Bangladesh, an ODI tri-nation series involving all three teams, followed by T20Is and Tests between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe.
The extensive schedule will give the three sides an opportunity to compete across multiple formats while playing their matches in UAE conditions. Afghanistan will first take on Bangladesh in a one-off Test before joining both teams in the ODI tri-series. Zimbabwe will then remain in the UAE for a three-match T20I series and a two-Test assignment against Afghanistan.
Afghanistan confirm Bangladesh, Zimbabwe all-format series in UAE
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has confirmed the complete schedule, with the first match set to take place on October 9. Afghanistan and Bangladesh will meet in a one-off Test from October 9 to 13, marking the beginning of the multi-format programme.
The focus will then shift to white-ball cricket as Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe compete in an ODI tri-nation series. Each team will face the other once during the league stage, with the top two sides progressing to the final on October 23.
After the tri-series concludes, Afghanistan will begin a bilateral T20I series against Zimbabwe. The two teams will play three matches on October 27, October 29 and November 1.
The programme will then return to the longest format, with Afghanistan and Zimbabwe scheduled to play two Tests. The first Test will be held from November 5 to 9, while the second Test will take place from November 13 to 17.
Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe officials react to all-format series in UAE
The Afghanistan Cricket Board welcomed the extensive programme, with CEO Naseeb Khan highlighting the value of regular international cricket and the opportunity for Afghanistan's players to compete against quality opposition.
“We are pleased to confirm this important period of international cricket for the Afghanistan National Team. 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.”
Khan also underlined the importance of Afghanistan's relationship with the two visiting boards.
“The Afghanistan Cricket Board remains committed to providing our national team with regular, high-quality international cricket. We highly value our relationships with the Bangladesh Cricket Board and Zimbabwe Cricket and appreciate their cooperation in making these important assignments possible,” he added.
Bangladesh Cricket Board CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury also welcomed the schedule, particularly the opportunity for Bangladesh to play Test cricket in the UAE.
“The Test match and the tri-nation series promise an exciting period of cricket for fans in both Bangladesh and Afghanistan. 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. We thank the Afghanistan Cricket Board for arranging this tour and the tri-nation series, which also features Zimbabwe. It promises to be a highly competitive tournament, and we look forward to an exciting few weeks of international cricket.”
Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni said the tour would provide his players with important exposure across all three formats.
“This is an important tour for Zimbabwe, offering our players high-quality competition across all three formats. The ODI tri-series will test us against two strong sides, while the two Tests are especially valuable as we continue seeking more regular opportunities in the longest format. We sincerely appreciate the Afghanistan Cricket Board for hosting this programme and the Bangladesh Cricket Board for their cooperation. We look forward to a competitive and exciting tour.”
Afghanistan’s UAE schedule: Bangladesh, Zimbabwe set for all-format series
| Series | Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Off Test Match | October 9–13 | Afghanistan vs Bangladesh | UAE |
| ODI Tri-Nation Series | October 17 | Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe, 1st Match | UAE |
| October 19 | Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 2nd Match | UAE | |
| October 21 | Afghanistan vs Bangladesh, 3rd Match | UAE | |
| October 23 | Tri-Nation Series Final | UAE | |
| Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe T20I Series | October 27 | 1st T20I | UAE |
| October 29 | 2nd T20I | UAE | |
| November 1 | 3rd T20I | UAE | |
| Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Two-Match Test Series | November 5–9 | 1st Test | UAE |
| November 13–17 | 2nd Test | UAE |
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