Zimbabwe is scheduled to host Afghanistan in October for a series comprising one Test match and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). This updated itinerary represents a significant reduction from the initial Future Tours Programme (FTP), which had included two Tests, three One Day Internationals (ODIs), and three T20Is.
All four fixtures will take place at the Harare Sports Club, marking the venue`s return to Test cricket after a four-year hiatus. Historically, Zimbabwe`s last nine home Tests were played in Bulawayo, all resulting in defeats for the home side. In their encounters since 2021, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan have faced off in four Tests, with Zimbabwe securing one win, suffering two losses, and drawing one match. Their most recent series in December-January 2024-25 saw Afghanistan clinch the two-Test series 1-0, in addition to winning the T20I series 2-1 and the ODI series 2-0.
The Test match, set from October 20 to 24 against Afghanistan, concludes a busy year for Zimbabwe. Despite not participating in the World Test Championship, Zimbabwe is playing 10 Test matches in 2025. It is understood that the second Test against Afghanistan and the ODI series have been postponed to 2026. The three T20Is are slated for October 29, October 31, and November 2.
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has opted to prioritize T20Is, recognizing their importance for team preparation ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Zimbabwe is currently competing in the semi-finals of the Africa Regional Qualifier. A victory against Kenya on Thursday would secure their qualification for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled for February and March in India and Sri Lanka. Zimbabwe notably missed the 2024 T20 World Cup after a qualifying defeat to Uganda. Their participation in the global T20 tournament has been sporadic, having only appeared in one of the last three editions (in 2022, where they reached the Super 12 stage).
Should Zimbabwe successfully qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup, ZC plans to arrange additional fixtures, as their current calendar shows no international matches between November of this year and April of next year. With most Full Members (excluding Ireland) occupied during this period, Zimbabwe may explore matches against teams such as Namibia (also a T20 qualifier semi-finalist), Netherlands, and Nepal. After a challenging start to the year with five consecutive T20I losses, Zimbabwe has shown improved form, winning six of their last nine matches.
