The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has requested the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) to postpone the upcoming white-ball series scheduled to be held in Greater Noida next month. The BCB has asked for the series to be rescheduled to a later date when both boards can find a suitable window.
Initially, the ACB had proposed a revised schedule for three ODIs and three T20Is to take place between July 25 and August 6, after the original tour, which included two Tests, was restructured. However, the BCB cited weather concerns as a major reason for the postponement request. The period from June to September is typically considered off-season in the subcontinent due to the monsoon season, which can disrupt international cricket matches.
The BCB had earlier postponed the series with Afghanistan to manage the workload of its players. Bangladesh’s next major assignment is a two-Test series in Pakistan starting mid-August, though the exact schedule for this series has yet to be announced. Many of Bangladesh’s Test players will be engaged in red-ball matches in preparation for the series, including three internal matches in Chattogram and Sylhet, followed by four four-day matches against the Pakistan Shaheens in Darwin and later in Pakistan.
Following the series in Pakistan, Bangladesh have a packed schedule. They will head to India to play two Tests and three T20Is from September 19 to October 12. This will be followed by two home Tests against South Africa. Later in the year, Bangladesh will embark on a full tour of the West Indies, comprising two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is in November and December.
Given this busy calendar, the BCB has been cautious about adding more matches. The board was always hesitant about the two-Test series against Afghanistan due to the players’ workload and had similarly postponed one Test against Zimbabwe earlier this year, converting it into a series of five T20Is in May.
Bangladesh aim to complete their World Test Championship cycle by December 2024, and managing player fatigue is crucial to their performance. The BCB’s request to postpone the Afghanistan series is a strategic move to balance the players’ workload and ensure they are well-prepared for upcoming international commitments.
Also, see:
Will India visit Pakistan for 2025 Champions Trophy?
