Abu Dhabi named Afghanistan cricket’s home until 2029

Announcing a five-year “destination support agreement,” the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and the Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub (ADCSH) have named Abu Dhabi as the UAE venue for all ACB training camps and Afghanistan A and national age-group matches.

This cooperation, which lasts until 2029, also prepares Afghanistan’s senior men’s bilateral matches in the UAE for possible cooperation with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).

The agreement follows conversations between the ACB, ADCSH, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), with all parties confirming their commitment to improving cricket possibilities for Afghan players on the world arena.

A statement from the organizations underlined that the deal “also encompasses support for the ACB to facilitate the Board’s global operations and enhance player development pathways.”

Matt Boucher, CEO of ADCSH, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “Our facilities have already welcomed the world’s best players, and this agreement strengthens our commitment to nurturing global sporting and cricket talent while leveraging its capacity to be a force for societal good. Over the past few years, we have cherished hosting Afghanistan; now, we are happy to confirm Abu Dhabi as their second home.”

Particularly for the young cricket growth of Afghanistan, ACB Chief Executive Naseeb Khan underlined the advantages of the cooperation.

Declaring the agreement to be a “turning point” for Afghanistan cricket, he said, “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.”

Afghanistan’s political climate has prevented the nation from being a frequent travel destination for foreign cricket teams.

Afghanistan’s top men’s team has so hosted visiting teams in the UAE as well as at “home venues” in India including Dehradun, Lucknow, and Greater Noida.

Three of Afghanistan’s Test matches—two against Zimbabwe in March 2021 and one against Ireland in February 2024—have already been scheduled for Abu Dhabi. Along with ODI and T20I games held throughout India and the UAE, the team has also hosted.

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