Afghanistan's cricket team during a training session. -File photo

KABUL: Afghanistan has received a financial boost from the world cricket governing body to develop the sport in the war-ravaged nation, it was announced on Thursday.

Cricket has become one of the most popular sports in Afghanistan since it was introduced by returning refugees, who learnt the game in the refugee camps of Pakistan after fleeing the 1979 Soviet invasion.

Afghanistan became an affiliate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2001 and in 2009 it attained one-day status. Its ambition now is to qualify for the 2015 World Cup.

The ICC decided this week to allocate $422,000 to develop the National Cricket Academy in Kabul, the Afghanistan Cricket Board announced Thursday.

Its chief executive Noor Mohammad Murad said the board has requested a total of $1 million in assistance.

“The ICC has approved $422,000 for now. They will send a delegation to visit Afghanistan’s Cricket Board in few weeks, and they will decide whether or not to approve the rest of the money,” Murad said.—AFP

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...