
CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 18: Shapoor Zadran of Afghanistan celebrates dismissing Mohammad Mahmudullah of Bangladesh during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match between Bangladesh and Afghanistan at Manuka Oval on February 18, 2015 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
KABUL: The International Cricket Council (ICC) was all poised to grant Ireland and Afghanistan their long-awaited Test status during upcoming annual meeting in London this week, according to a media report.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has submitted its application to the ICC for full membership, senior member of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) advisory board has wrote on his social media account.
Ireland and Afghanistan are the top nations in associate cricket. They have shocked big teams several times in their history. They have taken part in big tournaments like World Cups and World T20s.
Afghanistan made international debut in 2009 and are already showing big performances on the big stages.
They beat West Indies in 2016 World T20. The Afghans defeated the same team in an ODI match in Saint Lucia few days ago. They defeated Bangladesh twice in ODIs. The Afghan board was now excited to get Test status.
Afghanistan has been making enormous progress in cricket over the past decade as an associate member, said Finance Minister and advisory board member Eklik Ahmad Hakimi.
“We believe it’s time for Afghanistan to be recognized as a full member. This will open opportunities to the further development of the game and particularly in Afghanistan where cricket brings joy to a nation emerging from difficulties,” he wrote.
“We appreciate the effort and commitment of ACB toward women cricket development. Considering the current situation and cultural and religious constraints, Afghanistan will gradually establish the women cricket in the future,” Hakimi said.