Photo Credit: Afghanistan Cricket Board
Three T20Is are to be played at Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub’s Zayed Cricket Stadium on February 16th, 18th, and 19th –
Afghanistan Cricket Board and the Emirates Cricket Board today confirmed the three-match T20I series will be held at Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub’s Zayed Cricket Stadium on the 16th, 18th, and 19th of February 2023.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has selected a preliminary list of 23 players for the preparation camp in UAE. The squad will depart next week for the United Arab Emirates, where the team will feature in a conditioning camp in Abu Dhabi to prepare for the series starting on February 16.
The 23-member squad includes Rashid Khan (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Abdul Rahman Rahmani, Afsar Zazai, Azmatullah Omarzai, Bilal Sami, Farid Ahmad Malik, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib, Hazratullah Zazai, Ibrahim Zadran, Karim Janat, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Najibullah Zadran, Nangyal Kharoti, Naveen Ul Haq, Nijat Masoud, Noor Ahmad, Rahmat Shah, Sediqullah Atal, Shahidullah Kamal, Sharafuddin Ashraf and Zahir Khan.
The final 15-17 member team that will be selected for the T20I series, might also feature new players as part of the ACB’s long-term plans for future T20I events.
The T20I series is being played in accordance with the mutual cooperation agreement that was recently signed between Afghanistan and the Emirates Cricket Boards. Based on the agreement, Afghanistan will play a series of three T20I matches with the UAE on an annual basis.
“We are honored to be part of this partnership and are pleased with the results of our recent talks and negotiations with the Emirates Cricket Board,” said Naseeb Khan, the CEO of the Afghanistan Cricket Board. “Playing this T20I series is the first step in our long-term commitment and we are looking forward to a continued relationship with ECB,” he added.
“Emirates Cricket are looking forward to welcoming players and staff from Afghanistan Cricket as we embark on this journey and collaboration with them.” Mubashshir Usmani, Emirates Cricket Board General Secretary said. “We anticipate three very competitive, highly entertaining T20I matches,” he added.
This will be Afghanistan’s first international assignment in 2023 and is considered a crucial preparation for a busy upcoming season, which includes several bilateral commitments and major events such as the ACC Asia Cup in September and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in October.
