Afghanistan set to train in Pakistan
ACB plans to hold training camp in Karachi for World Twenty20.
Afghanistan qualified for the showcase event following the ICC World T20 qualifier in the UAE last November. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
KARACHI:
While the top Test teams appear afraid of visiting Pakistan due to security concerns, Afghanistan is more than happy for a long stay in the country to prepare for this year’s ICC World Twenty20 Championship.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board’s (ACB) delegation, that included Chief Executive Officer Dr Noor Mohammad and Afghan national coach Kabir Khan, visited Karachi last week to assess facilities for a training camp ahead of the World T20.
Afghanistan qualified for the showcase event following the ICC World T20 qualifier in the UAE last November.
The fifth edition of the tournament will be held in Bangladesh in March-April.
The Afghan cricket authorities are in the process of finalising a deal with the Arabian Sea Country Club (ASCC) in Karachi to hold their training camp at the venue.
“The conditions in Karachi are similar to what we will encounter in Bangladesh,” said coach Kabir.
“The facilities in the Arabian Sea Country Club are very good and we are looking forward to staging our preparatory camp.
“We want to give a good performance in the World Twenty20 and holding a camp in Karachi will help in our cause.”
Afghan team ready to play across the border
The ACB reiterated willingness to play in Pakistan despite safety apprehensions.
“We are ready to play international matches in Pakistan,” said Muhammad. “In fact we are very keen to play a one-day or T20 series against the home team.
“Such a series will play a positive role in Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) bid to revive cricket and will also help the Afghan team.”
However, the ACB chief lamented that PCB did not respond to his suggestions and complained of lack of assistance from neighbours including India and Bangladesh in promotion of the game in Afghanistan.
“The regional cricket powers must do more for Afghanistan as we need their help at this stage.”
Meanwhile, if the ACB fail to work out a deal in Karachi, they are likely to hold the conditioning camp in Bangalore [Bengaluru], India.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 6th, 2014.
While the top Test teams appear afraid of visiting Pakistan due to security concerns, Afghanistan is more than happy for a long stay in the country to prepare for this year’s ICC World Twenty20 Championship.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board’s (ACB) delegation, that included Chief Executive Officer Dr Noor Mohammad and Afghan national coach Kabir Khan, visited Karachi last week to assess facilities for a training camp ahead of the World T20.
Afghanistan qualified for the showcase event following the ICC World T20 qualifier in the UAE last November.
The fifth edition of the tournament will be held in Bangladesh in March-April.
The Afghan cricket authorities are in the process of finalising a deal with the Arabian Sea Country Club (ASCC) in Karachi to hold their training camp at the venue.
“The conditions in Karachi are similar to what we will encounter in Bangladesh,” said coach Kabir.
“The facilities in the Arabian Sea Country Club are very good and we are looking forward to staging our preparatory camp.
“We want to give a good performance in the World Twenty20 and holding a camp in Karachi will help in our cause.”
Afghan team ready to play across the border
The ACB reiterated willingness to play in Pakistan despite safety apprehensions.
“We are ready to play international matches in Pakistan,” said Muhammad. “In fact we are very keen to play a one-day or T20 series against the home team.
“Such a series will play a positive role in Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) bid to revive cricket and will also help the Afghan team.”
However, the ACB chief lamented that PCB did not respond to his suggestions and complained of lack of assistance from neighbours including India and Bangladesh in promotion of the game in Afghanistan.
“The regional cricket powers must do more for Afghanistan as we need their help at this stage.”
Meanwhile, if the ACB fail to work out a deal in Karachi, they are likely to hold the conditioning camp in Bangalore [Bengaluru], India.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 6th, 2014.