Bogra: The international cricket scene is set to make a comeback in Bogra after nearly 16 years as the Bangladesh Under-19 team prepares to host the Afghanistan Under-19 team for two youth ODIs. This series is part of a five-match youth ODI series aimed at preparing both teams for the upcoming Under-19 World Cup.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Afghanistan youth team is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on October 20. The initial leg of the series will see Bogra’s Shaheed Chandu Stadium hosting the first two matches, with the remaining three games slated for Rajshahi. The Afghan team will travel to Bogra immediately upon arrival, with the first two ODIs scheduled for October 28 and 31.
The Shaheed Chandu Stadium last witnessed an international match on November 20, 2009, when Bangladesh U-19, featuring players like Enamul Haque, Mominul Haque, and Sabbir Rahman, faced off against Zimbabwe U-19. The stadium also hosted a match involving a foreign team in May 2010, when the BCB Academy played against the CSA Academy in two 50-over games.
The series will conclude with the last three ODIs taking place at Rajshahi Divisional Stadium on November 3, 6, and 9, with the Afghan team scheduled to depart Bangladesh on November 10. This series marks the Afghanistan U-19 team’s fifth visit to Bangladesh, having previously participated in the Youth World Cup in 2016, the Youth Asia Cup in 2018, and bilateral series in 2017 and 2021.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh U-19 team is undergoing intensive practice sessions in Rajshahi to gear up for the series. The anticipation is high as Bogra prepares to welcome back international cricket after a long hiatus.