The decision is expected to be taken during the Annual General Conference of the International Cricket Council (ICC) starting in London on Tuesday.
Afghanistan’s fairytale rise in cricket might see another pleasant turn as it might soon find itself among the Test-playing nations.
The decision is expected to be taken during the Annual General Conference of the International Cricket Council (ICC) starting in London on Tuesday.
With Ireland also fulfilling the criteria set by ICC to be eligible for becoming Test nation, both countries are likely to be clubbed with Zimbabwe in “tier 2” and become the 10th and 11th Test nations.
This will enable the top team from this group to get a chance to play with the top eight teams of the world.
The prospects of both countries improved after a proposal to this effect was submitted to ICC in February this year. Ireland’s inter-provincial competition was also awarded first-class and List A status in October 2016.
Afghanistan’s application to have first-class status granted to their multi-day domestic competition is due to be examined at the Chief Executives Committee meeting on Thursday.
The ICC members are said to be happy about the large number of people in Afghanistan coming out to watch cricket matches in recent years. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to support Afghanistan’s bid.
“Now we have many new names in the team and they are performing very well. Introducing new boys to the team is a plus thing because it is becoming a young, sustainable and well performing team,” Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) chairman Atif Mashal has been reported as saying.
Afghanistan cricket got a boost when Indian Premier League signed two players — spinners Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi — for its 10th edition.
BCCI support has also helped Afghanistan shift their team base from Sharjah to Noida. Former India opener Lalchand Rajput also took over as their national coach.
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