Afghanistan look for India as its home ground

Published April 22, 2015
President Ashraf Ghani has been asked to push for assistance for his side during an official visit to India next week. — AP/File
President Ashraf Ghani has been asked to push for assistance for his side during an official visit to India next week. — AP/File

NEW DELHI: War-ravaged Afghanistan is seeking a home ground for its fledgling national cricket team in neighbouring India, powerhouse of the sport, a top official said Wednesday.

President Ashraf Ghani has been asked to push for assistance for his side during an official visit to India next week, his first since winning elections last year, said Afghanistan Cricket Board president Nasimullah Danish.

“Unfortunately, we have not got as much assistance from India as we should have,” Danish said.

“I don't know why, but maybe the BCCI has got other things on its mind,” he said, referring to the powerful Board of Control for Cricket in India.

“That is why we have requested our president to discuss how we can cooperate with the Indian cricket establishment both on and off the field.

“I hope our national team can play in India soon. It will also be a great help to get some expertise in coaches and infrastructure,” Danish said.

“We would like to play our home matches against other teams in India. We don't want to play all the time in either the United Arab Emirates or Pakistan, we want to play in India.”

Afghanistan, who have been taking part in major tournaments since 2010, recorded their first World Cup win in February when they defeated Scotland by one wicket in Dunedin.

Afghanistan have faced India thrice so far, twice during the World Twenty20 in the Caribbean in 2010 and Sri Lanka in 2012, and once at the Asia Cup one-day tournament in Bangladesh last year.

India are due to host the World Twenty20 next year and Afghanistan are expected to qualify.

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...