Kolkata: After being conferred with Test status by the ICC in June, Afghanistan might play their first ever Test match against Zimbabwe, with whom they are in talks of organising a full series later this year.
The series which is likely to be hosted by Afghanistan would comprise of one test match, five ODI’s and either two or three T20I’s. Since it wouldn’t be possible for Afghanistan to hold the series back home, India or the UAE are the likely venues for the matches.
Last week, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) had sent an email to the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) giving them a green signal of going ahead with the plans for hosting such a tour.
However after ZC finalises the dates for the Bangladesh tri-series, a part of the ICC Future Tour Program (FTP) they would discuss things with the ACB and finalise the dates for the tour. Zimbabwe would want to play against Afghanistan in the UAE first before heading on to Bangladesh.
Since gaining their ODI status way back in 2009, Afghanistan has been one of the most exciting teams in world cricket. They have beaten teams like Zimbabwe and have drawn with the West Indies and have never failed to surprise.
The experience of playing Test cricket would undoubtedly be a huge boost to their confidence.