Sport

Klusener to step down as Afghanistan’s cricket coach

Published

5 years ago

November 30, 2021

Former South Africa allrounder Lance Klusener will step down as the head coach of Afghanistan’s national cricket team when his contract expires on December 31.

Klusener, who was appointed in September 2019, said in a statement issued on Monday he will not renew his contract.

“Having spent two years with the team, I will take away some memorable moments with me,” he said.

“As I walk away from Afghanistan cricket team and its cricketing structure, I look forward to the next stage in my coaching career and opportunities it brings.”

Klusener took over as head coach from Andy Moles, who was serving in an interim capacity after the exit of Phil Simmons following the 2019 World Cup.

While Afghanistan hardly played any cricket in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the team did reasonably well under Klusener, winning one out of the three Tests, three out of the six ODIs and nine out of 14 T20Is.

Considered one of the best South African all-rounders during his playing days (1996 to 2004), Klusener scored 1,906 runs and took 80 wickets in 49 Tests. He also scored 3,576 runs and got 192 wickets in 171 ODIs.

Sport

Afghanistan crowned 2026 Hong Kong Sixes champions

Published

10 minutes ago

November 1, 2026

Ariana News

Afghanistan won the 2026 Hong Kong International Sixes title after defeating Australia by four wickets in the final on Sunday.

Batting first after winning the toss, Australia scored 115 runs in their six overs, with Max Bryant leading the innings with 44 runs.

Afghanistan chased down the target in 5.1 overs, finishing the match with five balls to spare. Imran Mir starred with the bat, scoring 53 off just 14 deliveries, including seven sixes, while Farmanullah contributed 26 runs.

Twelve teams competed in the tournament. Afghanistan reached the final after securing victories over South Africa, Oman and Scotland before overcoming Australia in the title decider to lift the trophy.

Sport

Afghanistan finish 83rd at inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival

Published

4 hours ago

November 1, 2026

Ariana News

Afghanistan finished their campaign at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival with a penalty shootout victory over hosts Azerbaijan, securing 83rd place among 189 participating nations.

The Afghan side drew 3-3 with Azerbaijan in the 83rd-place play-off in Baku on Friday before winning 3-2 on penalties to end the tournament on a winning note.

Afghanistan recorded six victories during the competition, defeating Sierra Leone, Djibouti, Sudan, Namibia, India and Azerbaijan. They also suffered four defeats against Turkey, Russia, Thailand and Hungary.

The inaugural 2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival featured 189 nations, with Spain crowned champions after beating the Czech Republic 3-0 in the final on October 30.

Sport

Arman FC fall 2–0 to Aino Mina in Afghanistan Champions League

Published

17 hours ago

October 31, 2026

Ariana News

Arman FC suffered a 2–0 defeat against Aino Mina Kandahar in the 66th match of the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan in Kabul on Saturday.

The match was held at the Afghanistan Football Federation Stadium, with both teams looking to secure a positive result.

The first half ended goalless, as neither side managed to convert its scoring opportunities.

Aino Mina took the lead shortly after the break when Ahmad Nabi Muqaddas found the net in the 47th minute. The forward scored again in the 75th minute, doubling his team’s advantage and putting Aino Mina in a strong position.

Arman FC attempted to get back into the match following the two goals, but were unable to find the net before the final whistle. The match ended with a 2–0 victory for Aino Mina Kandahar.

Arman FC will play its next match against Sarsabz Yashlar on November 3, while Aino Mina Kandahar will face Toofan Herat on November 5.

The sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan is being broadcast live on Ariana Television Network (ATN).