The three-match ODI series between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been shifted to Sri Lanka. The initial plan was to stage the series in the UAE or Oman. However, with the upcoming IPL and T20 World Cup, those venues couldn’t accommodate this series.
Afghanistan’s upcoming ODI series against Pakistan is all set to be played in Sri Lanka. It has been shifted out of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and an Afghanistan Cricket Board official confirmed the news to Cricbuzz.
The change in venue has taken place due to the commitments of UAE to future events. They are set to host the second half of the 2021 season of the IPL and then, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. According to Cricbuzz, it is learnt that ACB also approached Oman to host the three-match ODI series against Pakistan. However, Oman are scheduled to host the first few games of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as well. Hence, the decision was taken to move the series to Sri Lanka.
According to Cricbuzz, it is also understood that Zimbabwe was an option and the ACB officials contemplated on hosting the series in the African nation. However, with the increase in COVID-19 cases in the country, that plan was dropped.
The first ODI is scheduled to start on the 1st of September. The Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium in Hambantota will be the venue. Hikmat Hassan who is the media manager of the ACB confirmed the news and said that Sri Lanka will host the ODI series between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
ACB’s media manager Hikmat Hassan was quoted saying to Cricbuzz on Saturday (24th of July).
Yes, we will host the ODI series against Pakistan in Sri Lanka.
This will be Afghanistan’s first-ever bilateral ODI series against Pakistan. Moreover, this three-match series is going to be a part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League. Pakistan are currently fifth with 40 points from nine matches. Meanwhile, Afghanistan have played just one series in this Super League. They are currently eighth with 30 points – they have played three and won three.
