ACB Board Members’ Special Meeting Held in Kabul

Kabul, January 18, 2023: The Afghanistan Cricket Board held a special consultative meeting to discuss the recent developments and the ACB’s response to Cricket Australia, as well as its future strategy.

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Mirwais Ashraf, ACB Chairman and Chair of the Board, who appreciated that Cricket Australia has supported Afghanistan Cricket in the past years and expects the same spirit in the future. Ashraf went on to say that the ACB had already expressed its concerns to Cricket Australia following its withdrawal from the Afghanistan tour in March 2023, and he urged CA to reverse its recent decision in the spirit of the ICC Rules and allow Afghans to enjoy the joy of watching their heroes play on the field. This, in ACB’s opinion, is vital for bringing nations together, promoting cricket, and bringing joy to the Afghan nation, both men and women. 

He also asserted that the ACB is committed to maintaining effective and friendly ties with the ICC and other cricketing nations. “We are grateful for the continuous support and cooperation, especially during the last one and a half years, rendered to us by the ICC and other countries and expect them to continue to do so," Ashraf added.

The Board Members also shared their views on the matter and emphasized that cricket is a unifying phenomenon that brings joy and happiness to the nation. They stated that the game is loved by all Afghans, irrespective of their gender, age, language, and opinions, and has served as a tool to promote healthy and positive activity among youth. In this context, the Board Members highlighted, that the people who have always celebrated their national team and looked at them as a source of inspiration and relief. 

The Board Members highlighted voices from within the government that the decision to bar certain activities is temporary and that limitations will be removed as soon as proper policies were adopted and a friendly environment is ensured for all. They reiterated their hope that this is done as soon as possible and an opportunity for education, sports, rest, and leisure be provided to all Afghans.

The board members emphasized that political differences and conflicts should not deter the progress and development of cricket and sports in countries, as it ultimately harms nations and people. 

The Board Members noted that Afghanistan cricket has made great progress in a short span of time and the nation is proud of the journey made so far. They emphasized that the game is deeply loved by all, and acknowledged the positive role the game has played in the development of the country. They also expressed that taking away the source of pleasure from the Afghan nation would be a counterproductive and harmful move that would only serve to hurt the Afghan people.

The meeting was attended by the Board Members including Dr. Ahmad Khalid Hatam, Chancellor; Kardan University, Mr. Attila Kamgar, VP of Kam Air, Mr. Rahmat Ul Haq Fuzail, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs,  Mr. Khan Jan Alokozai, Senior Vice Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, Mr. Allah Dad Noori, Technical Advisor to ACB and Mr. Raees Khan Ahmadzai, Assistant Coach of the Afghanistan National Team. In addition, Mr. Naseeb Khan, Chief Executive of the Afghanistan Cricket Board and relevant officials were also present in the meeting.