The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has requested a postponement of the upcoming white-ball series against Afghanistan, originally scheduled for late July in Greater Noida, India. The BCB has proposed finding a new window to host the series at a later date.
Weather concerns in July for BCB
The initial proposal from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) included three ODIs and three T20Is between July 25th and August 6th.
However, the BCB expressed concerns about the weather conditions in Greater Noida during that period as per ESPNcricinfo. The monsoon season in South Asia typically falls between June and September, making it a less-than-ideal time for international cricket matches.
Player workload management
The BCB had previously postponed the series due to workload management considerations for their players. Bangladesh is scheduled for a two-Test series in Pakistan from mid-August, with the exact dates yet to be confirmed.
To prepare for this red-ball series, many players will be involved in a series of internal matches and four-day fixtures against Pakistan Shaheens.
Packed schedule for Bangladesh Cricket Team
Following the Pakistan series, Bangladesh will embark on a tour to India in September, playing two Tests and three T20Is.
This series will be followed by two Tests at home against South Africa and a full tour of the West Indies later in the year. The BCB’s desire to minimize player workload is a key factor in their reluctance to play the two-Test series against Afghanistan.
Focus on World Test Championship Cycle
With a busy schedule ahead, including two Tests against Afghanistan initially planned, the BCB opted to convert their Zimbabwe tour into a five-match T20I series earlier this year. Their primary focus remains on completing their ongoing World Test Championship cycle by December 2024.
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Finding mutually agreeable window
The BCB’s request for a postponement highlights the importance of balancing international commitments with player well-being. Both cricket boards will now work towards finding a new window to reschedule the Bangladesh vs Afghanistan series at a more suitable time.
