LONDON: Afghanistan are set for another milestone after it was announced on Friday they will play their first match at Lord’s, taking on a side led by former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum.

Now one of the world’s leading associate, or junior cricket, countries Afghanistan are closing in on becoming a Test match nation.

They are top of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Intercontinental Cup standings, with the winner set to gain Test status next year.

Their 50-over match against MCC at Lord’s, “the home of cricket”, will take place on July 11.

Two Afghan players, Mohammad Nabi and Hamid Hassan, were previously on the MCC Young Cricketers scheme.

MCC president Matthew Fleming said: “I am thrilled that we will be welcoming Afghanistan to Lord’s this summer. I have seen first-hand the talent and passion for cricket the nation has and this fixture can only be a good thing for the ongoing development of Afghan cricket.

“It is the latest landmark on a very exciting journey for Afghan cricket and MCC will need to field an extremely strong side in order to compete,” the former England one-day international all-rounder added.

Published in Dawn, April 8th, 2017