BCCI grants permission to Afghanistan for hosting Bangladesh for ODI and T20I series in Greater Noida following conclusion of T20 World Cup 2024

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has authorized Afghanistan to conduct their forthcoming series against Bangladesh within the territorial limits of India. 

According to the Times of India, the Shahid Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida will serve as the designated home venue for the Afghanistan team, marking their return after a hiatus of four years since their last appearance there in 2020. According to a preliminary schedule, the white-ball series is poised to be held during the July-August period. 

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According to the TOI report, the series will comprise three ODIs and as many T20Is, scheduled between July 25 and August 6. Bangladesh is scheduled to arrive in Greater Noida from New Delhi on July 22, affording them a brief period for training ahead of their inaugural ODI.

This won't mark Afghanistan's inaugural appearance at the Greater Noida venue. In December 2015, the Afghanistan Cricket Board and the BCCI entered into an MoU designating the Shahid Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Noida as their home ground. Subsequently, Afghanistan has hosted their 'home' fixtures in Dehradun, Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, and Greater Noida. 

In their engagements at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground, Afghanistan have secured triumph in eight out of the eleven matches contested.

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This won't signify the inaugural instance wherein Greater Noida has served as a home venue for the Afghans. In 2017, they inaugurated the venue by playing their first ODI against Ireland there. This decision follows a turbulent period for the Afghanistan team. After the Taliban assumed control of the country in August 2021, they predominantly hosted their home matches in the United Arab Emirates. However, negotiations between the ACB and the BCCI during the 2023 World Cup have facilitated their resurgence in India. 

Both teams are currently engaged in their respective missions as the T20 World Cup 2024 progresses into its decisive phase with the commencement of the Super Eight stage. They are poised to intensify their efforts to vie for a spot in the semi-finals, having faced setbacks in their opening encounters against India and Australia.