Will Afghanistan Host West Indies for T20I Series in January 2026?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Afghanistan will host the West Indies for three T20Is.
- Matches are scheduled for January 19, 21, and 22, 2026.
- The series will take place in the UAE, a neutral venue.
- This series is crucial for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup preparations.
- Both teams aim to strengthen their lineups ahead of the tournament.
New Delhi, Nov 7 (NationPress) The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced on Friday that it will welcome the West Indies for a thrilling three-match T20I series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from January 19 to 22, 2026. This series is set to be a crucial part of both teams' preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will take place in India and Sri Lanka just a month after the series concludes.
The first match is scheduled for January 19, with the subsequent T20Is on January 21 and 22. All matches will be hosted in the UAE, a neutral venue that has been instrumental for Afghanistan's recent international fixtures, although the exact location for this series has not yet been revealed.
The ACB emphasized that this series will provide both Afghanistan and the West Indies with essential match practice, allowing them to refine their strategies before the global tournament. Historically, the West Indies hold a slight advantage with a 5-3 lead in their T20I encounters against Afghanistan.
"Competing against the West Indies just before a global event presents a fantastic opportunity for our team to finalize their squad and boost preparations for the upcoming mega event in India and Sri Lanka,” stated ACB CEO Naseeb Khan.
Both teams are anticipated to field their strongest lineups as they gear up for the tenth edition of the Men’s T20 World Cup. “This series is an excellent platform for our preparation,” added Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket. “Engaging strong opponents in subcontinental conditions will enhance our team dynamics and instill confidence, particularly on pitches similar to those we expect in India and Sri Lanka."