Practice games for Afghans

Kabul, May 31: All international teams touring India will now play one practice game against Afghanistan, an arrangement which will constantly provide international exposure to the team from strifetorn nation.

The announcement was made by BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary during his visit here, according to Afghanistan Cricket Board. Choudhary is in Afghanistan capital to discuss the bilateral cricketing relations.

India will host Afghanistan in their firstever Test match in Bengaluru from June 14-18.

ACB chairman Atif Mashal said: Afghanistan is now a full member of ICC and we also enjoy cordial relations with BCCI which will be further strengthened as we strive to work together to further develop the game in the country.

Choudhary said: “It is an honour to be here in Kabul being invited by Mr. President (Mashal). It is a privilege for us to be playing Afghanistan in their historic first Test match.

“Cricket will further strengthen ties between the two countries and deliver a message of peace. Afghan players are well known and loved in India because of their participation in IPL which will increase in the coming years,” BCCI acting secretary said.

Mashal, on his part, thanked BCCI for providing a second stadium for Afghanistan’s home matches in Dehradun besides the one at Greater Noida.

Afghanistan will “host” Bangladesh in a threematch T20 series at their adopted home in Dehradun.