Afghanistan will begin their five-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Ireland today, with the opening match taking place at Bready Cricket Club in Northern Ireland.

The series marks an important step in both teams’ preparations for future ICC tournaments, including the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. Afghanistan arrive as the higher-ranked side and will be looking to continue their strong record against Ireland in the 50-over format.

Led by captain Rahmat Shah, Afghanistan boast an experienced squad featuring a powerful batting line-up and one of the world’s most effective spin attacks.

Ireland, playing on home soil, will be aiming to use familiar conditions to challenge the visitors and make a strong start to the series.

Today’s match gets underway at 1:30 p.m. Kabul time, with overcast conditions and the possibility of light rain forecast during the day.

Any interruptions are expected to be brief, while the conditions could assist the seam bowlers early before the pitch becomes more favourable for batting as the match progresses.

Both teams will be eager to secure an early advantage in what is expected to be a competitive five-match contest.

Based on recent form, head-to-head record and squad strength, Afghanistan enter the opening ODI as favourites, with an estimated 65% chance of victory, while Ireland are given a 35% chance of pulling off an upset.

The five-match ODI series will be played between August 5 and August 15, with matches scheduled at Bready Cricket Club and Stormont in Belfast.

Ariana Television Network (ATN) will broadcast today’s match live across Afghanistan on Ariana Television.  (edited)

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

News on Facebook, Instagram and X for match schedules, live updates, breaking news, and comprehensive coverage throughout the series.

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.