Key Preparation: Three-Match T20I Series Set for January 2026 Ahead of ICC T20 World Cup
Kabul/Dubai:The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has confirmed that the Afghanistan national team will host the West Indies for a three-match T20 International (T20I) series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from January 19 to 22, 2026.
The series is scheduled to provide crucial match practice for both teams as they fine-tune their preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to take place in India and Sri Lanka shortly after the conclusion of the series.
Naseeb Khan, CEO of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, highlighted the strategic importance of facing the two-time T20 World Cup champions. “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,” Khan stated. He added that the quality West Indies side offers an “ideal platform” for the team’s buildup.
Similarly, Miles Bascombe, Cricket West Indies’ Director of Cricket, emphasized the value of playing in the UAE. “This series provides an ideal platform for our preparation. Facing strong opposition in subcontinental conditions will help us sharpen our combinations and approach, and it also gives our players a chance to build confidence on surfaces similar to those we’ll encounter in India and Sri Lanka.”
In their T20I history, Afghanistan and the West Indies have met eight times, with the West Indies holding a slight edge with five victories compared to Afghanistan’s three.
Schedule and Importance
The match schedule for the series is as follows:
Date Match Venue
Monday, January 19 1st T20I UAE
Wednesday, January 21 2nd T20I UAE
Thursday, January 22 3rd T20I UAE
