ACB to Host SL A & IRE A for Tri-Nation Series in April 2025

ACB to Host SL A & IRE A for Tri-Nation Series in April 2025

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially announced that it will host a highly anticipated Tri-Nation Series featuring the A teams of Afghanistan (AFG A), Sri Lanka (SL A), and Ireland (IRE A). Set to take place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from April 7 to May 2, 2025, this series will comprise seven One-Day matches, along with crucial four-day red-ball encounters aimed at strengthening emerging talent.

The series will kick off on April 7 with a four-day match between AFG A and IRE A. Following this, the One-Day Tri-Nation Series will begin on April 13, with IRE A taking on SL A in the opening fixture. The tournament will be played in a round-robin format, where each team faces the others twice. The top two teams at the end of the group stage will battle it out in the final, scheduled for April 25 at the same venue. To conclude the event, AFG A will face SL A in another four-day red-ball match from April 29 to May 2.

A Crucial Series for Emerging Talent

This tournament presents a golden opportunity for emerging cricketers from AFG A, SL A, and IRE A to test their skills against quality opposition. ACB CEO Mr. Naseeb Khan highlighted the significance of this series, emphasizing how AFG A’s recent triumph in the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Asia Cup has reinforced the board’s commitment to nurturing young talent. He stated, “Our A team serves as the backbone of our senior squad, and regular international assignments over the past few years have helped develop outstanding cricketers across all formats.”

The ACB has been actively scheduling such competitive tours to enhance player development, particularly in the red-ball format. Mr. Khan further elaborated on the importance of identifying potential Test cricketers through these four-day encounters. “Competing against SL A and IRE A will provide a fantastic learning experience for our players. The red-ball matches are part of our long-term strategy to improve Afghanistan’s standing in the longer format of the game,” he added.

Tour Itinerary & Match Schedule

The tournament’s schedule is packed with high-intensity games, ensuring ample opportunities for the players to shine.

• The series begins with a four-day match between AFG A and IRE A from April 7 to 10.

• The One-Day tournament officially starts on April 13, featuring IRE A vs SL A.

• AFG A faces SL A on April 15, followed by their clash with IRE A on April 17.

• The competition intensifies as IRE A and SL A meet again on April 19, before AFG A faces IRE A once more on April 21.

• The final round-robin match sees AFG A take on SL A on April 23.

• The top two teams will then fight for the trophy in the grand final on April 25.

• After the limited-overs battle, AFG A and SL A will meet in a concluding four-day match from April 29 to May 2.

Why This Series Matters

The importance of A-team cricket has grown significantly in recent years, as it serves as a direct pipeline to national teams. For AFG A, this series is a crucial step in their development, especially in strengthening their red-ball game. With SL A and IRE A also investing heavily in their youth programs, the Tri-Nation Series promises to be a competitive and exciting tournament.

This series is also a vital preparation ground for the senior teams of AFG, SL, and IRE. With international schedules becoming increasingly demanding, having a well-prepared second-string squad ensures that teams can sustain high-performance levels across all formats.

As cricket fans eagerly await this showdown in Abu Dhabi, the matches promise to be a thrilling showcase of young talent from AFG A, SL A, and IRE A. This series will not only highlight future cricket stars but also contribute to the growth of red-ball cricket, ensuring a stronger future for the game in these nations.