Afghanistan announce one-off Tests against Sri Lanka and Ireland

Colombo and Abu Dhabi will host the Tests three-and-a-half weeks apart - with three ODIs and a trio of T20Is attached to both tours

Afghanistan will play one-off Tests against Sri Lanka and Ireland next month.

Colombo will host the first with the former between February 2-6, kickstarting a tour which includes three one-day internationals and a trio of T20i.

An identical white-ball schedule will follow the single Test between the Afghans and the Irish in Abu Dhabi stated for February 28-March 3.

Bangladesh were Afghanistan's only Test opponent in 2023 - they lost by 546 runs in Mirpur - while Ireland played three, losing to The Tigers, Sri Lanka and England.

ACB chief Mirwais Ashraf described the announcement of the Test against Sri Lanka as "a significant move to ensure a complete and comprehensive tour which not only provides good exposure to Afghanistan Cricket but will also foster stronger relations between the two nations".

Ireland head to Abu Dhabi chasing a maiden Test victory at the eighth time of asking (ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Ireland will travel to the Zayed Sports City chasing their first Test victory after seven defeats since attaining full member status.

Cricket Ireland's high-performance director Richard Holdsworth said: "This time we will likely go into the test with players who have experienced Test cricket and have started to understand what the format entails – its rhythms, the way it ebbs and flows, but – most importantly – the lesson it teaches in patience and consistency. 

"Ireland has gone through a major transition over the last few years, but the last 18 months has seen a new generation of players step up and show the world the talent we have known they have had for many years."

The Irish will travel to the UAE in advance of the series for a preparation camp with a focus on acclimatising to the difference in temperature.

^{Sharjah will host the white-ball leg of Ireland's tour (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)}

Sri Lanka v Afghanistan

One-off Test: February 2-6 - R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

First ODI: February 9 - R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Second ODI: February 11 - R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Third ODI: February 14 - R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

First T20I: February 17 - Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla

Second T20I: February 19 - Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla

Third T20I: February 21 - Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla

Afghanistan v Ireland

One-off Test: February 28-March 3 - Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi

First ODI: March 7 - Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

Second ODI: March 9 - Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

Third ODI: March 11 - Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

First T20I: March 15 - Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

Second T20I: March 17 - Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

Third T20I: March 18 - Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

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