When Will Afghanistan Host International Matches At Home? ACB CEO Provides Update

The Afghanistan cricket team and its players have mesmerised the world with some top-notch cricket over the years. Their players, especially Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, have played in every T20 league in the world and have been an inspiration to many at home. 

However, they are yet to play an international game at home, which could happen sooner rather than later. Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) CEO Naseeb Khan believes that it could be a possibility in the next 3-4 years.

"Before 2021, we couldn't even host domestic matches in many provinces due to conflict. But now, Alhamdulillah, there is peace across the country. We recently held the Wakhan T20 Cup in Kunduz, near the Tajikistan border, and a three-day tournament in Helmand, near Iran. These events show how far we've come," Naseeb said in a chat with Cricbuzz. 

"With continued improvements in security and support from the international cricketing community, I truly believe Afghanistan will host international cricket within the next three to four years."

Naseeb also believes Afghanistan have the infrastructure to host matches. 

"Our international cricketing journey only began 15 years ago, and yet we already have 8-10 standard cricket grounds across provinces, including Kabul, Jalalabad, Kandahar, Khost, Zabul, Paktia, Kunar, and Kunduz. That, in itself, is a remarkable achievement. To address our budgetary constraints - mainly because staging home games abroad is costly - we're engaging with governments in Qatar, UAE, and India to seek funding and fast-track upgrades," he said.

"Our infrastructure is steadily improving, and with continued effort and international support, we believe it will soon match global standards."

Afghanistan have taken giant strides in world events as well. They made it to the semi-final of the T20 World Cup, where they beat New Zealand, Australia and Bangladesh, and in the 50-over World Cup before that, they brushed aside England. 

Given how they have progressed over the years, international cricket in Afghanistan would certainly be a massive deal not just for the cricketers, but also for those who wish to take up the sport professionally in the country.