Afghanistan will begin their five-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Ireland on Wednesday, with the visitors looking to strengthen their position in the latest ICC men’s ODI rankings ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup qualification deadline.

The opening two matches will be played at Bready Cricket Club in Northern Ireland on August 5 and 7, while the remaining three fixtures will take place at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on August 10, 12 and 15.

Afghanistan head into the series ranked eighth in the latest ICC ODI standings with 90 rating points, while Ireland sit 12th with 54 points.

The series is important for both teams as the ICC rankings on September 30, 2026, will help determine automatic qualification for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.

The top eight ranked teams, excluding hosts South Africa, will qualify directly for the tournament.

Afghanistan have dominated recent meetings between the two sides, winning their last six ODIs against Ireland. Ireland’s last ODI victory over Afghanistan came in March 2019.

The series will mark the first ODI assignment for Afghanistan’s new captain, Rahmat Shah, who took over the leadership after Hashmatullah Shahidi stepped down in June.

Afghanistan will be aiming to bounce back after suffering a 3-0 ODI series defeat to India earlier this year.

Ireland enter the series in confident form after recording a 2-0 T20I series victory over reigning T20 World Cup champions India last month. Jai Moondra, who was named Player of the Series against India, has earned his maiden ODI call-up, while Ben Calitz and Byron McDonough have also been included in the squad.

However, the hosts have been hampered by injuries, with Josh Little, Matt Hollard, Craig Young, Barry McCarthy, Jordan Neill and David Delany all unavailable for selection.

Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) holds the exclusive broadcast rights to the Ireland–Afghanistan ODI series and will air all five matches live across Afghanistan. Cricket fans can watch every ball live on Ariana Television and follow Ariana Television, Ariana Sport, and Ariana

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Preparations are in the final stages at Kabul’s Ayubi Cricket Stadium as ground staff complete the finishing touches ahead of the start of the fourth season of the Kabul Premier League (KPL) on Saturday, August 8.

Workers have been busy ensuring the venue meets the highest standards, with improvements focused on the playing surface.

Officials overseeing the preparations said this year’s tournament will be held in a venue that is in excellent condition.

“This time we will have everything good and up to standard in terms of greenery and excellence,” officials said, expressing confidence that players and fans will enjoy an improved match-day experience.

The tournament has become one of the country’s premier domestic Twenty20 competitions, providing a platform for Afghanistan’s leading cricketers and emerging young talent to compete at a high level.

Six teams will compete for this year’s title:

• Shamshad Eagles
• Pamir Stars
• Kabul Zalmi
• Speenghar Warriors
• Abaseen Defenders
• Band-e-Amir

The opening match of the tournament will be played on August 8, when Pamir Stars take on Shamshad Eagles at Ayubi Cricket Stadium.

The Kabul Premier League has become an important part of Afghanistan’s domestic cricket calendar, helping strengthen the country’s cricket structure while giving promising players an opportunity to showcase their skills before national selectors.

Cricket fans across Afghanistan will be able to follow every match live on Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN), which holds the exclusive broadcast rights for the tournament.

Fans are meanwhile encouraged to follow Ariana Television, Ariana Sport and Ariana News’ social media pages for updates on schedules, news and other exciting information.

With just days remaining before the first ball is bowled, Ayubi Cricket Stadium is ready to welcome players and supporters for what promises to be another exciting season of domestic T20 cricket.

With just two days remaining before the first ball is bowled, Afghanistan is putting the finishing touches on its preparations for a five-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Ireland, beginning on August 5.

The Afghanistan squad has been training in Birmingham, England, ahead of the tour and is expected to travel to Ireland before the opening match.

The training camp has focused on batting, bowling and fielding drills as the team adapts to conditions similar to those it will encounter during the series.

The series marks Afghanistan’s return to international action and provides another important test for a side that has continued to establish itself among the leading teams in the 50-over format.

For Ireland, the series signals a long-awaited return to ODI cricket after a 15-month break. The hosts will be captained by Paul Stirling, whose experience will be central as Ireland looks to make the most of home conditions while assessing its squad ahead of a busy international schedule.

Afghanistan will be led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, with a squad featuring experienced players including Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai. The series will also provide an opportunity for several younger players to gain valuable international experience.

The opening two ODIs will be played at Bready Cricket Club Ground before the series moves to Stormont in Belfast for the remaining three matches.

Afghanistan and Ireland have built a competitive rivalry over the years, with both teams producing several memorable contests. The five-match series is expected to offer another closely fought battle as both sides seek to build momentum in the 50-over format.

The series schedule is:

August 5 – First ODI, Bready
August 7 – Second ODI, Bready
August 10 – Third ODI, Belfast
August 12 – Fourth ODI, Belfast
August 15 – Fifth ODI, Belfast

All five matches will be broadcast live and exclusively on Ariana Television.