Sport
Klusener to step down as Afghanistan’s cricket coach
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
Qosh Tepa crowned champions of inaugural Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League
Qosh Tepa were crowned champions of the inaugural Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League after defeating Akhawat in Thursday’s championship final in Kabul, bringing the country’s first-ever professional wrestling league to a successful conclusion.
Qosh Tepa’s wrestlers secured more victories across the 10 weight-class contests than their Akhawat counterparts, earning the inaugural league title and lifting the first Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League championship trophy.
The competition featured some of Afghanistan’s top wrestlers representing 10 teams in a season that showcased the country’s growing interest in the sport.
Throughout the tournament, athletes competed in a series of closely contested matches, with the league providing a new platform for both established wrestlers and emerging talent.
The 10 participating teams were:
- Akhawat
- Bala Hissar
- Doosti
- Spin Ghar
- Setareha
- Solh
- Qala Dost
- Fath
- Qosh Tepa
- Kahkashan
The inaugural league attracted enthusiastic crowds throughout the competition, with supporters filling the arena to cheer on their teams. The tournament generated significant interest on social media and highlighted wrestling’s popularity across Afghanistan.
The entire inaugural season was broadcast live and exclusively by Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) allowing viewers across Afghanistan to follow every match from the opening day through to the championship final.
The league marked the first time a national wrestling competition in Afghanistan had been broadcast live by Ariana Radio and Television Network, representing an important milestone for the sport’s development in the country. Organisers hope the success of the inaugural season will
pave the way for future editions, helping to strengthen wrestling, discover new talent and provide athletes with greater opportunities to compete at a higher level.
Qosh Tepa’s championship victory closes a memorable first season that established a new chapter for Afghan wrestling and set a strong foundation for the continued growth of the league in the years ahead.
Sport
Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League crowns inaugural champion in tonight’s grand final
Fans can watch all the excitement live from 6:00 p.m. Kabul time on Ariana Television, as well as via the Ariana Sport and Ariana News Facebook pages.
The inaugural Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League reaches its thrilling conclusion on Thursday evening, with the championship title set to be decided in what promises to be an action-packed grand final in Kabul.
After more than a week of intense competition featuring some of Afghanistan’s top wrestlers, the league has showcased skill, strength and determination, drawing strong support from fans across the country.
The final is expected to deliver another night of high-quality wrestling as the remaining contenders battle for the inaugural Premier League crown in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
The tournament has played a significant role in promoting wrestling in Afghanistan, providing a professional platform for local athletes to compete at the highest level while inspiring a new generation of wrestlers.
Fans can watch all the excitement live from 6:00 p.m. Kabul time on Ariana Television, as well as via the Ariana Sport and Ariana News Facebook pages.
With the first-ever Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League champion about to be crowned, organisers are expecting a memorable finale to a successful debut season.
Sport
Afghanistan futsal team heads to Thailand for Continental Championship
The Afghanistan national futsal team has departed for Bangkok, Thailand, to compete in the 2026 Continental Futsal Championship.
According to the Afghanistan Football Federation, the tournament will be held from August 1–6 and will feature Afghanistan, Thailand, Russia, Vietnam, and New Zealand.
Afghanistan will kick off its campaign against host nation Thailand on August 2.
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