The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub (ADCSH) have signed a five-year agreement designating Abu Dhabi as the official host in the UAE for ACB training camps and matches for Afghanistan’s A and national age-group teams.
This collaboration, effective until 2029, also paves the way for possible cooperation with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) to help arrange bilateral matches for Afghanistan’s senior men’s team in the UAE.
The agreement follows productive discussions among the ACB, ADCSH, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), with all parties reaffirming their dedication to enhancing cricket opportunities for Afghan players on the international stage.
A joint statement from the organizations noted that the agreement “also includes support for the ACB to aid the Board’s global initiatives and improve player development pathways.”
Matt Boucher, CEO of ADCSH, emphasized the importance of the partnership and its positive outcomes for society.
“Our facilities have hosted some of the best players in the world, and this agreement reinforces our commitment to fostering global sporting and cricket talent while utilizing it as a positive force for society, he said.
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“We have enjoyed hosting Afghanistan over the past few years and are delighted to officially recognize Abu Dhabi as their second home,” he added.
ACB Chief Executive Naseeb Khan pointed out the advantages of the partnership, especially in terms of youth development in cricket in Afghanistan.
He referred to the agreement as a “turning point” for Afghanistan cricket.
“Being able to designate Abu Dhabi as our training base and home for age-group events will empower us to enhance Afghanistan’s sporting achievements and construct a robust future for cricket in our nation,” Khan said.
Given Afghanistan’s political circumstances, it has not been able to establish itself as a preferred destination for international cricket teams.
Consequently, the senior men’s team has had to host visiting teams at “home venues” in India, including Dehradun, Lucknow, and Greater Noida, as well as in the UAE.
Abu Dhabi has already been the site for three of Afghanistan’s Test matches—two against Zimbabwe in March 2021 and one against Ireland in February 2024. The team has also conducted ODI and T20I matches in India and the UAE.
Earlier, the venue had served as the home ground for the Pakistan team after the 2009 Sri Lankan cricket team attack in Lahore.
Following the incident, the venue became a key location for the teams to play international matches against Pakistan.
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