Afghanistan’s Revised Zimbabwe Tour Sparks Format Shift Debate
In a last-minute scheduling overhaul, Afghanistan will tour Zimbabwe in October 2025 for a condensed international series featuring just one Test match and three T20 Internationals—scrapping the originally planned second Test and full ODI leg. The revised itinerary, confirmed by both cricket boards, reflects growing global emphasis on white-ball cricket and logistical constraints.
What Changed—and Why?
The original tour blueprint included two Tests and three ODIs alongside the T20Is. However, citing player workload, ICC Future Tours Programme adjustments, and commercial considerations, the boards mutually agreed to prioritize the T20 format—critical for both teams’ preparation ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.
Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed the Harare Sports Club and Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo will host all matches, with the lone Test scheduled for mid-October.
Revised Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2025 Series Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 10–14 | Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo | Test |
| Oct 17 | Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan | Harare Sports Club | T20I #1 |
| Oct 19 | Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan | Harare Sports Club | T20I #2 |
| Oct 21 | Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan | Harare Sports Club | T20I #3 |
Key Players to Watch
- Rashid Khan (AFG): Expected to lead spin attack in both formats
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman (AFG): Crucial in T20 middle overs
- Sikandar Raza (ZIM): All-rounder aiming for redemption on home soil
- Blessing Muzarabani (ZIM): Pace spearhead for the hosts
Why This Tour Matters
For Afghanistan, this series offers rare red-ball practice outside the subcontinent. For Zimbabwe, it’s a chance to rebuild Test credibility after a five-year hiatus from the format in 2024. However, the omission of ODIs has raised eyebrows—especially with both teams vying for ODI World Cup qualification.
[INTERNAL_LINK:International] cricket analysts note that while T20s drive revenue, the erosion of bilateral ODIs threatens the development pathway for associate nations.
