Afghanistan to Host Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in Major Multi-Format UAE Series

Afghanistan are set for a busy period of international cricket as they prepare to host Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in the United Arab Emirates during October and November 2026.

The upcoming schedule will feature cricket across all three international formats, including Test matches, an ODI tri-series and a three-match T20I series.

The programme gives Afghanistan another important opportunity to play competitive international cricket and will keep the national side in action for more than a month.

Afghanistan vs Bangladesh Test to Start the Action

The international schedule will begin with a one-off Test between Afghanistan and Bangladesh from October 9 to 13 in the UAE.

The red-ball encounter will give Afghanistan another valuable opportunity to develop their Test side against an experienced Bangladesh team.

Afghanistan have continued to increase their involvement in Test cricket in recent years, and matches such as this provide important experience for the country’s longer-format players.

Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe to Meet in ODI Tri-Series

After the Test match, attention will turn to an exciting ODI Tri-Nation Series featuring Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

The competition will run from October 17 to October 23.

Each team will face the other once during the league stage, with the top two teams progressing to the final.

ODI Tri-Series Schedule

October 17: Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe
October 19: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe
October 21: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh
October 23: Tri-Nation Series Final

The tournament will provide Afghanistan with valuable 50-over cricket against two established international opponents.

Afghanistan and Zimbabwe Set for Three T20Is

Following the ODI tournament, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will switch their attention to T20 cricket.

The two countries will contest a three-match T20I series, with all three games taking place in the UAE.

T20I Schedule

October 27: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe – 1st T20I
October 29: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe – 2nd T20I
November 1: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe – 3rd T20I

The series will provide another opportunity for Afghanistan’s T20 stars to represent the national team and for the coaching staff to continue developing the squad.

Two Tests Against Zimbabwe to Complete the Tour

Afghanistan’s long international programme will conclude with two Test matches against Zimbabwe.

The first Test will take place from November 5 to 9, followed by the second Test from November 13 to 17.

That means Afghanistan will play three Test matches during the overall programme: one against Bangladesh and two against Zimbabwe.

Full Afghanistan International Schedule

Date	Match
October 9–13	🇦🇫 Afghanistan vs Bangladesh 🇧🇩 – Test
October 17	🇧🇩 Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 – ODI
October 19	🇦🇫 Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 – ODI
October 21	🇦🇫 Afghanistan vs Bangladesh 🇧🇩 – ODI
October 23	🏆 ODI Tri-Series Final
October 27	🇦🇫 Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 – 1st T20I
October 29	🇦🇫 Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 – 2nd T20I
November 1	🇦🇫 Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 – 3rd T20I
November 5–9	🇦🇫 Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 – 1st Test
November 13–17	🇦🇫 Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 – 2nd Test

Important Period for Afghan Cricket

The packed schedule means Afghanistan will compete across Test, ODI and T20I cricket during the UAE programme.

For Afghanistan, the matches will provide valuable opportunities to strengthen the national team across different formats while maintaining regular international competition.

ACB CEO Naseeb Khan welcomed the programme, highlighting the importance of providing Afghanistan’s players with regular competitive international cricket.

Bangladesh Cricket Board and Zimbabwe Cricket officials have also welcomed the schedule, particularly the opportunities for their teams to play more red-ball and multi-format cricket.

With Bangladesh and Zimbabwe both involved, Afghan cricket fans can look forward to a busy October and November as Afghanistan continue their international campaign in the UAE.

Source: Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB)
Adapted and rewritten for Afghan Atalan