Hosting International Cricket in Afghanistan: A Real Possibility Says ACB CEO
Hosting international cricket in Afghanistan may have seemed like a dream once, but now, it feels closer than ever. Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) Chief Executive Officer Naseeb Khan has expressed strong optimism about the country’s readiness to host international matches. Speaking to Cricbuzz during the Asian Cricket Council AGM in Bangladesh, Naseeb Khan shared ACB’s detailed roadmap, from reviving leagues to improving infrastructure.
APL to Return in Ideal October-November Window
The Afghanistan Premier League (APL) is set for a comeback. According to Naseeb Khan, hosting international cricket in Afghanistan starts with a well-run domestic setup. The APL’s second edition is being targeted for October-November – a time when fewer global leagues are held, and Middle Eastern conditions are ideal for cricket.
Naseeb confirmed that a suitable commercial partner is already onboard, and talks are ongoing with cricket boards to secure No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for overseas players. Afghan players’ consistent global presence will attract foreign talent, making APL a key tournament in the cricketing calendar.
Preferred Venue: UAE, with Oman and Qatar as Backups
While hosting international cricket in Afghanistan remains the long-term goal, the APL is likely to be played in the UAE initially. The region offers top-class infrastructure and has a large Afghan fan base. However, Oman and Qatar have been shortlisted as backup venues if any logistical challenges arise.
These nations not only offer excellent facilities but also allow for maximum Afghan fan engagement, creating an atmosphere that mirrors home conditions.
Shpageeza T20: Mandatory for Afghan Stars
A cornerstone of ACB’s success has been the Shpageeza T20 League. Now in its 10th edition, the league has been critical in identifying future stars such as Sediqullah Atal, Zubaid Akbari, and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, who recently impressed at the Emerging Asia Cup.
Participation in Shpageeza is mandatory for national players. This policy ensures the league remains competitive and connected to grassroots cricket. Many stars, including Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, prioritize this league despite packed global schedules.
Connection to Homeland Is Afghanistan’s Greatest Strength
According to Naseeb, the Afghan players’ deep connection to their roots fuels their dedication. Players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz not only represent Afghanistan on the field but also run foundations and academies at home.
Their consistent presence in domestic cricket and active social contributions keep them grounded and inspire the next generation. This bond makes hosting international cricket in Afghanistan not just a goal but a national pride project.
Mohammad Nabi’s Future: Player or Mentor?
While Mohammad Nabi is in the twilight of his career, his future role within the ACB remains open. Naseeb Khan stated that Nabi could continue as a player or transition into mentoring or coaching roles. Previous players like Hameed Hassan and Noor Ali Zadran are already coaching national and U-19 teams.
Nabi’s leadership and cricketing IQ make him a prime candidate to strengthen the ACB’s coaching structure post-retirement.
Stable Leadership Leading to Consistent Results
A key reason for Afghanistan’s recent rise is stability in leadership. Head coach Jonathan Trott has been in charge for over three years, while Hashmatullah Shahidi has led the team across formats for five years. Rashid Khan has also captained in select matches.
This consistency has allowed for long-term planning and trust-building. With government extensions for ACB leadership, there is now ample time to execute their roadmap, including hosting international cricket in Afghanistan.
Hosting International Cricket in Afghanistan Within Reach
According to Naseeb Khan, hosting international cricket in Afghanistan is not just a dream anymore. “Before 2021, we couldn’t even hold domestic games in many provinces. Now, we’ve hosted matches in Kunduz and Helmand,” he said.
The improved security situation has enabled tournaments like the Wakhan T20 Cup near the Tajikistan border and three-day games near Iran. If this trend continues, Afghanistan could realistically host international matches within the next 3–4 years.
Infrastructure Development: ACB’s Strategic Focus
In just 15 years of international cricket, Afghanistan has developed 8–10 standard stadiums in Kabul, Jalalabad, Khost, Zabul, Paktia, Kandahar, Kunar, and Kunduz. While costs of playing “home” matches abroad are high, ACB is in talks with governments in UAE, Qatar, and India to fund upgrades.
With improved infrastructure and security, hosting international cricket in Afghanistan will no longer be a matter of “if,” but “when.”
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