Afghanistan vs Bangladesh White-Ball Series Likely to be Postponed Due to Weather Concerns in Greater Noida

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The Afghanistan vs Bangladesh white-ball series, originally set to take place in Greater Noida later this month, is poised for postponement, Sportstar reported.

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

Both cricket boards are currently collaborating to identify an alternative window to host the series, which includes three T20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One Day Internationals (ODIs). However, finding a suitable date within this year may prove challenging given Bangladesh's congested international schedule.

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

The ACB had initially 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 fixture at this venue occurred in March 2020, just days before the nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19.

Following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, the Afghanistan cricket team has primarily played its 'home' games in the United Arab Emirates. However, during the ODI World Cup last year, ACB officials began discussions 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 favorably to this request 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 series postponement is a setback for both teams, but it underscores 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.