Afghanistan cricket has found a new home for the next five years, as the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has signed a “destination support” agreement with Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub (ADCSH), based at Zayed Cricket Stadium. The agreement, which runs until 2029, establishes Abu Dhabi as the primary venue for Afghanistan’s training camps, as well as ‘A’ International and junior-level matches and tournaments.
The signing ceremony featured key officials, including ACB Chief Executive Naseeb Khan, ADCSH Chief Executive Matt Boucher, and Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Al Awani expressed his pride in the agreement, stating, “We are proud to announce the signing of the agreement between Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub and Afghanistan Cricket Board, the pioneering role of this agreement in supporting the growth of the Afghanistan cricket ecosystem. We are also proud to continue hosting various global tournaments, programmes, and training camps in Abu Dhabi, where the vast infrastructure is available to ensure the success of all these events.”
Boucher emphasized that this partnership aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader vision of developing sports talent. He said, “Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub is honoured to provide a world-class home for Afghanistan cricket. Our facilities have already welcomed the world’s best players, and this agreement strengthens our strong commitment to nurturing global sporting and cricket talent and leveraging its capacity to be a force for societal good. We’ve loved hosting Afghanistan over the last couple of years and are pleased we can confirm Abu Dhabi as their second home.”
Naseeb Khan highlighted the significance of this move for Afghanistan’s cricketing future. “Very excited to be entering a fruitful partnership with the ADCSH, which will allow us to utilise all the premium facilities available in this destination for the development of our age-group cricket. Abu Dhabi confirmed as our second home marks another turning point for Afghanistan cricket. The UAE has been instrumental in providing us with a platform to compete at the highest level, and I would like to thank the Emirates Cricket Board and all the venues for their continued support. The opportunity to now focus on Abu Dhabi as our training base and our home for age-group participation will allow us to elevate Afghanistan’s sporting success and build a strong national future for the game of cricket in our country.”
Beyond training and age-group tournaments, Afghanistan’s senior team will also collaborate with the Emirates Cricket Board to use the UAE’s major venues for bilateral matches. This agreement comes as Afghanistan continues to rely on overseas venues due to challenges in hosting matches at home. Previously, Afghanistan utilized venues in Sharjah and even had a base in Delhi, India.
Despite these hurdles, Afghanistan has made remarkable strides in international cricket. Their recent performances in the ODI World Cup and the Champions Trophy, where they defeated England twice, highlight their growing stature. Additionally, Afghan cricketers remain in high demand in global franchise leagues, further solidifying their impact on the sport.
With this new partnership, Afghanistan cricket is set to build on its progress, leveraging Abu Dhabi’s world-class infrastructure to develop its players and strengthen its presence on the global stage.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
