Sport
Afghanistan seek members’ support ahead of crucial ICC meeting
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has requested the support of other full members of the International Cricket Council ahead of next month’s crucial meeting where the game’s future in the South Asian country is likely to be decided, Reuters reported.
The strife-torn nation’s remarkable rise has been cricket’s biggest fairytale story in recent times but Afghanistan risk isolation following the country’s Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan [IEA] takeover in August.
According to the report Cricket Australia (CA) has already threatened to scrap next month’s one-off test in Hobart between the men’s teams if the new government in Kabul did not allow women to play the sport.
World governing body ICC had taken a wait-and-watch approach on whether Afghanistan can continue as a full member – allowing it to play test matches – but will discuss the issue at a board meeting after the Twenty20 World Cup in the Middle East.
“ACB is committed to work for the development of cricket in the country and hope the ICC full members will provide their support,” Afghan board chairman Azizullah Fazli told Reuters.
Fazli said last month the ACB was committed to women’s cricket but was awaiting instructions from the IEA government on its future.
The IEA officials have said they will not repeat the harsh rule of the previous IEA government, which banned most girls’ education and forbade women from going out in public without a male guardian.
CA chief executive Nick Hockley has said the Hobart test was likely to be postponed until there was more clarity on the impact of the IEA takeover on sports in Afghanistan.
Fazli said he would meet CA officials on the sidelines of the Twenty20 World Cup and try to convince them to continue with the match as scheduled, Reuters reported.
“We are in touch with the CA management regarding the test match, and soon we will meet CA leadership to discuss it and further the friendship of CA and ACB,” Fazli said in text messages.
The ACB chief added that the uncertainty would not affect the performance of the Afghanistan team under captain Mohammad Nabi, read the report.
“The Afghanistan national cricket team is well prepared to do their best in the T20 World Cup,” he said.
Afghanistan will begin their Super 12 stage campaign with an Oct. 25 clash against a qualifier in Sharjah.
Sport
ATN secures exclusive rights to broadcast T20I series in India across Afghanistan
The series will be played from September 13 to 17 at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi.
Ariana Television Network (ATN) has secured the exclusive broadcasting rights for the upcoming three-match T20 International series between Afghanistan and India, giving cricket fans across Afghanistan the opportunity to watch all the action live and exclusively on Ariana Television.
The highly anticipated three-match series, scheduled to run from 13 to 17 September, will see Afghanistan take on one of the world’s leading cricket teams in an exciting T20I contest.
The series will be played from September 13 to 17 at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi.
The announcement comes just days after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) named a 15-member squad for the series, with Ibrahim Zadran appointed as captain in his first assignment as Afghanistan’s full-time T20I skipper.
Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has returned to the squad after recovering from a stress fracture in his right shoulder. His return strengthens an attack that also includes Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai and all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai.
Experienced all-rounder Gulbadin Naib has also been recalled, while uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Noor Rahman has received his maiden call-up following strong performances in domestic cricket and the Shpageeza Cricket League.
Afghanistan’s spin department includes Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Nangyal Kharoti and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, while veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi adds further experience to the squad.
ACB Chief Executive Officer Naseeb Khan said the board had focused on selecting a balanced and well-prepared squad for the series and expressed hope that Afghanistan would deliver a strong performance against India.
He also described the series as a significant milestone for Afghan cricket, noting that Afghanistan will host India for the first time.
Although the series will be played in India, ATN’s exclusive rights will allow cricket fans in Afghanistan to follow every match live on Ariana Television.
Fans are encouraged to tune in to Ariana Television for the live broadcasts and follow ATN’s official social media platforms for the latest news, match information, squad updates and developments ahead of the series.
Afghanistan squad
Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Noor Rahman (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Naveen-ul-Haq.
Sport
Afghanistan squad announced for three-match T20I series against India
Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq returns to the squad after recovering from a stress fracture in his right shoulder. The injury kept him out of Afghanistan’s T20I series against the West Indies and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against India, which will be played from September 13 to 17 at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi.
Ibrahim Zadran will captain Afghanistan in the series, marking his first assignment as the team’s full-time T20I skipper.
Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq returns to the squad after recovering from a stress fracture in his right shoulder. The injury kept him out of Afghanistan’s T20I series against the West Indies and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
His return adds further strength to Afghanistan’s pace attack, which also features Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai and all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai.
Experienced all-rounder Gulbadin Naib has also been recalled to the national side. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball is expected to provide additional depth and flexibility, particularly in the middle order.
Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Noor Rahman has received his maiden call-up after making a strong impression in domestic cricket and the Shpageeza Cricket League. He has also been part of Afghanistan’s development pathway and has represented the country at A-team level.
Afghanistan’s spin department will be led by Rashid Khan, with Noor Ahmad, Nangyal Kharoti and Mujeeb Ur Rahman also included. Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi adds further experience and balance to the squad.
ACB Chief Executive Officer Naseeb Khan said the board had focused on selecting a balanced and well-prepared squad for the series.
“The Afghanistan Cricket Board has always made every effort to select a well-balanced and fully prepared squad for all relevant competitions. We have followed the same approach for the upcoming series against India, and I hope the Afghanistan team will deliver an outstanding performance in these matches,” he said.
Khan also described the series as a significant milestone for Afghan cricket, with Afghanistan set to host India for the first time.
“It is a great pride that Afghanistan is hosting a major cricketing nation for the first time. This reflects the progress Afghan cricket has made toward achieving its major objectives and shows that we are steadily advancing toward the strategic goals identified by the organization,” he added.
The Afghanistan squad is expected to travel to India soon for training and final preparations ahead of the three-match series.
Afghanistan Squad
Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Noor Rahman (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Naveen-ul-Haq.
Reserves: Ijaz Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal, Fareed Ahmad Malik.
Series Schedule
|
Date |
Match |
Venue |
|
September 13, 2026 |
1st T20I |
Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium, New Delhi |
|
September 15, 2026 |
2nd T20I |
Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium, New Delhi |
|
September 17, 2026 |
3rd T20I |
Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium, New Delhi |
Sport
Afghanistan added to Asian Cricket Council presidency rotation
Afghanistan has secured a place in the Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) presidency rotation, marking a significant step toward a greater role for the country in the leadership of Asian cricket.
The decision was made at the ACC’s recent Annual General Meeting following a proposal by Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) Chairman Mirwais Ashraf.
The ACC’s member boards backed Afghanistan’s inclusion in the council’s leadership framework and also supported considering Afghanistan as a host for future ACC tournaments and events.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board said the decision reflects the growing recognition, confidence and standing of Afghan cricket across Asia.
The new position is expected to give Afghanistan a stronger voice in the leadership and decision-making of Asian cricket, while creating greater opportunities for the country to host major continental tournaments.
The ACB welcomed the decision and thanked the Asian Cricket Council and its member boards for their confidence and support.
The board said it would continue working with its Asian counterparts to contribute to the growth, development and advancement of cricket across the continent.
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