AFG v WI 2026: West Indies Tour Of Afghanistan For T20I Series Jan 2026

Afghanistan will host the West Indies for the 3 matches T20I cricket in January 2026 in uae. This T20I series will be important for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. 

Why this series matters

• The series is an important period of preparation for both teams because it takes place just weeks before the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
• Afghanistan will host the West Indies (although in a neutral location in the United Arab Emirates), providing them with top-notch opponents to test combinations and gain momentum.
• This tour gives the West Indies, who are well-known for their T20 flair, a chance to hone their strategy under subcontinental/neutral circumstances before the major event.

Series Schedule

 

 

Key storylines

• Afghanistan's rising profile: Afghanistan will be trying to develop depth, test its backup players, and provide opportunities to up-and-coming talent after reaching the final rounds of recent international events. Their decision to take on a formidable foe like the West Indies demonstrates their intent.
• West Indies rebuilding for consistency: After being the two-time T20 champions and still the tournament favorites, the West Indies have struggled with consistency. A series against a young Afghan team presents a challenge as well as a chance.
• Venue and conditions: The United Arab Emirates frequently provides hot weather and flat batting fields. In order to maximize practice before the World Cup, both teams will need to immediately adjust.
• Squad rotation and strategy: Both boards may utilize this series to finalize their World Cup squads because there is not much time left before the competition. There will be pressure on players to perform well.

ACB Statement

The CEO of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, Naseeb Khan, said: “Competing against the West Indies on the brink of a global event presents an excellent opportunity for our team to finalize their lineup and enhance their preparations for the upcoming mega event in India and Sri Lanka.”

 

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