In a move that strengthens cricket ties between India and Afghanistan, the BCCI has granted permission for the Afghan team to host its upcoming series against Bangladesh in India. This marks a return to familiar territory for Afghanistan, who will play their “home” matches at the Shahid Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida after a four-year absence.
Greater Noida welcomes Afghanistan back
The white-ball series, scheduled for July-August, will see Bangladesh face Afghanistan in three ODIs and three T20Is. This isn’t the first time Greater Noida has served as a home ground for the Afghan team.
Back in 2015, a memorandum of understanding allowed Afghanistan to utilize this venue for their matches.
Afghanistan vs Bangladesh in India: Schedule
The Bangladesh team will arrive in Greater Noida on July 22nd, allowing for practice sessions before their first ODI on July 25th.
The remaining ODIs will follow on July 27th and 30th. The T20I series kicks off on August 2nd, with the final match scheduled for August 6th. Bangladesh will then depart on August 7th.
Uttar Pradesh: Hub for Afghanistan Cricket
The BCCI has designated two venues in Uttar Pradesh for Afghanistan’s “home” series – Greater Noida and Kanpur as per TOI. This continues a trend established in 2015, when Afghanistan played matches in Dehradun (Uttarakhand), Lucknow, and Greater Noida.
Kanpur’s Green Park stadium up for Grabs
While the Bangladesh series will be held in Greater Noida, other upcoming Afghan matches might be played at either the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur or the Greater Noida stadium.
Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium is no stranger to hosting international matches, and is slated to hold the second Test between India and Bangladesh later this year, starting September 27th.
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BCCI assures pitch preparations in Kanpur
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla told TOI that preparations for the India-Bangladesh Test series in Kanpur are underway. He assured that the pitches at Green Park Stadium will be in optimal condition by September, and any shortcomings will be addressed.
Step forward for Afghanistan Cricket
This development signifies a positive step for Afghan cricket. The team’s return to familiar territory in India, coupled with the prospect of playing in Kanpur, provides valuable opportunities for them to showcase their skills on a larger stage.
