Kabul, Afghanistan — Afghanistan’s national cricket team is gearing up for an all-format tour against Sri Lanka in February, followed by a home series against Ireland in March, the Afghanistan Cricket Board announced.
The tour in Sri Lanka, spanning February 2-21, will feature a one-off test, three One Day Internationals (ODIs), and three Twenty20 International (T20I) matches. The team will then host Ireland for a similar series in the United Arab Emirates from February 28 to March 18.
The tour kicks off with a test match at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Colombo, February 2-6. This will be followed by three ODIs at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium on February 9, 11, and 14, and three T20Is at the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium on February 17, 19, and 21.
Afghanistan will then host Ireland in the UAE, starting with a test match at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, February 28 to March 3. The teams will then play three ODIs on March 7, 9, and 12, and conclude with three T20Is on March 15, 17, and 18 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Mirwais Ashraf, Chairman of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, lauded the successful negotiations with Sri Lanka Cricket officials that added three ODIs to the tour. “The addition of these ODIs ensures a comprehensive tour, benefiting Afghanistan Cricket and strengthening ties with Sri Lanka. Playing in Sri Lanka is challenging but manageable for Afghanistan,” he said.
Naseeb Khan, CEO of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, expressed excitement about the team’s busy schedule, which he believes will be instrumental in preparing for the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup in the Caribbean &
USA in June. “2024 is a packed year with high-stakes competitions for Afghanistan. The tours of India and Sri Lanka, along with the home series against Ireland, will prime us for the T20 World Cup,” said Khan.
Etisalat Afghanistan Telecommunications Company has secured the rights as the national team’s main sponsor for the Sri Lanka tour. The company also holds the title sponsorship for the home series against Ireland.
