Afghanistan will tour the UAE for a three-match T20I sequence beginning February 16, which shall be an annual affair as per an settlement between the 2 boards.
The T20I sequence is being performed in accordance with the Mutual Cooperation Agreement that was signed between Afghanistan and the Emirates Cricket Board in November.
Based on the settlement, the ECB will supply the ACB logistical and infrastructure help for the subsequent 5 years, together with the internet hosting of their “home” matches because of the present political scenario in Afghanistan.
“We are honored to be part of this partnership and are pleased with the results of our recent talks and discussions with the Emirates Cricket Board,” stated Naseeb Khan, CEO of the Afghanistan Cricket Board.
“Playing this T20 series is the first step towards our long-term commitment and we look forward to continuing our relationship with the ECB,” he added.
“Emirates Cricket looks forward to welcoming the players and staff of Afghanistan Cricket as we begin this journey and association with them.” “We look forward to three very competitive, highly entertaining T20I matches,” stated ECB Secretary General Mubashir Usmani. Star spinner Rashid Khan has been made the captain of the staff. ACB has introduced a 22-member preliminary squad.
The sequence shall be held on February 16, 18 and 19 on the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub.
Squad: Rashid Khan (C), Rehmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Abdul Rehman Rahmani, Afsar Zazai, Azmatullah Umarzai, Bilal Sami, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Fazal Haq Farooqui, Gulbadin Naib, Hazratullah Zaazi, Ibrahim Zadran, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Najibullah Zadran , Nangyal Kharoti, Naveen Ul Haq, Nijat Masood, Noor Ahmed, Rehmat Shah, Sediqullah Atal, Shahidullah Kamal, Sharafuddin Ashraf and Zaheer Khan.
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
