Photo Credit: Afghanistan Cricket Board
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) officials recently engaged in productive discussions with their Sri Lanka Cricket counterparts to enhance bilateral ties between the two cricketing nations. The discussions resulted in significant developments that will further strengthen the cricketing relationship between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
One of the significant developments in the meeting is that both boards reached a mutual agreement to add three One-Day International (ODI) matches to Afghanistan’s tour of Sri Lanka in January 2024. According to ICC’s Future Tours Program (FTP), Afghanistan is set to tour Sri Lanka in January 2024, which already includes three T20Is and a Test match, the addition of these 3 ODIs will ensure a complete and comprehensive tour for AfghanAtalan.
Furthermore, Sri Lanka Cricket has agreed to provide ACB with two venues, allowing ACB to play its home games in Sri Lanka. This collaboration will provide an excellent opportunity for ACB to host other countries in Sri Lanka, specifically, hosting teams ahead of age-level events such as the ACC Emerging Teams Cup 2023 and the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024, both of which are scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka and will provide valuable preparations for the relevant Afghanistan team prior to the start of the events.
In addition, Sri Lanka Cricket has also pledged its continued support by facilitating regular matches for Afghanistan’s various age-group teams, including National A, National U19s, and Emerging Teams. Both countries aim to provide valuable exposure and opportunities for young talents to enhance their skills and gain valuable experience in a competitive cricketing environment.
ACB Chairman Mr. Mirwais Ashraf: “I am pleased that we had a very good meeting with our Sri Lankan Cricket counterparts, during which we agreed to add three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) to our FTP tour to Sri Lanka in January 2024. The tour, which previously included a test and three T20Is, will now also include three ODIs. Furthermore, we discussed the possibility of scheduling more bilateral games for our junior-level teams. Overall, we had a productive discussion, and I am hopeful that it will result in positive outcomes for Afghanistan Cricket.”
The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its sincere gratitude to Sri Lanka Cricket for their cooperation and hospitality during Afghanistan’s recent tour to Sri Lanka. The ACB is confident that these strengthened bilateral ties will ensure a prosperous and enduring cricketing relationship between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
ACB remains committed to promoting the spirit of cricket and fostering strong relationships with fellow cricketing countries, as it continues to contribute to the growth and development of the game at both domestic and international levels.
