The West Indies will play against Afghanistan in a T20I series in January 2026

T20I: The West Indies will play against Afghanistan in a T20I series in January 2026

Cricket West Indies has announced a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in January 2026, set in the United Arab Emirates. The series aims to prepare both teams for major upcoming tournaments in India and Sri Lanka.

West Indies and Afghanistan are set to play a three-match T20I series in Sharjah next year as part of their build-up to the ICC T20 World Cup, which begins in February in India and Sri Lanka. The series will be held on January 19, 21, and 22, giving both teams a chance to fine-tune their combinations just days before the global event.

CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, said the series offers a great opportunity to prepare in subcontinental conditions similar to those expected during the World Cup. He believes it will help players gain confidence and clarity in their roles.

In the previous T20 World Cup, the West Indies reached the Super Eight stage but missed out on the knockouts. Afghanistan, on the other hand, made history by reaching the semi-finals for the first time. In head-to-head T20Is, West Indies lead Afghanistan 5-3.

Afghanistan Cricket Board CEO Naseeb Khan said the series against West Indies will help their team finalise its lineup and sharpen preparations for the big tournament.

Currently, the West Indies are playing a five-match T20I series in New Zealand, trailing 2-1. Afghanistan’s last T20I outing was a clean sweep against Zimbabwe in October.