Weather Concerns Likely To Postpone Afghanistan Vs Bangladesh Series In Greater Noida

The Afghanistan vs Bangladesh white-ball series, initially scheduled for later this month in Greater Noida, is likely to be postponed, according to Sportstar.

This decision follows a request from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) due to concerns about potentially unsuitable weather conditions for an international series.

Both cricket boards are now working together to find a new window for the series, which includes three T20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One Day Internationals (ODIs). However, finding a suitable date within this year may be difficult given Bangladesh's packed international schedule.

Bangladesh will tour Pakistan in August for a two-match Test series, followed by home games. In September, they have an away series against India, which will be followed by series against South Africa and the West Indies.

The ACB had originally planned to host the series at the Shahid Pathik Singh Stadium in Greater Noida. This stadium was previously a home base for the Afghanistan cricket team. The last international match at this venue took place in March 2020, just before the nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19.

Afghanistan's Home Game Challenges

Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in August 2021, the Afghanistan cricket team has mainly played its 'home' games in the United Arab Emirates. However, during last year's ODI World Cup, ACB officials began talks with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), expressing a strong desire to return to playing their home games in India.

The BCCI responded positively and allocated two grounds to the ACB: one in Kanpur and another in Greater Noida. Although the ACB is exploring additional venues in India, they have currently secured contracts for the Greater Noida and Kanpur facilities.

This postponement is disappointing for both teams but highlights the importance of ensuring suitable conditions for international cricket. As the ACB and BCB work towards finding a new schedule, fans will be eagerly awaiting the resumption of this exciting cricket rivalry.