IT IS A PRIVILEGE FOR US TO BE PLAYING AFGHANISTAN IN THEIR HISTORIC FIRST TEST MATCH- ACTING BCCI SECRETARY AMITABH CHOUDHARY

ACB chairman Atif Mashal welcomed BCCI Acting General Secretary Mr. Amitabh Choudhary to Kabul who is on a visit of Afghanistan to discuss the relations between ACB and BCCI.

Both ACB Chairman and the Acting Secretary of BCCI also participated in a join-press conference; addressing the press conference, Mr. Mashal said:” Cricket strengthens ties between nations. Afghanistan seeks to improve cricketing relations with India as well as other cricketing nations. “

Mr. Mashal thanked BCCI for providing another stadium for Afghanistan’s home matches in Dehradun besides the one at Greater Noida. He added that this marks a new phase in the cricketing ties between Afghanistan and India. He appreciated BCCI for hosting Afghanistan for the inaugural Test match against India from 14th -18th June 2018 at Bengaluru. He added that the BCCI delegation was invited to Afghanistan to discuss the preparations for Afghanistan’s historic first Test match as well as other cricket related matters.

The Acting Secretary of BCCI, Mr. Amitabh Choudhary was glad about the Test match between the two countries and said: “It is an honor to be here in Kabul being invited by Mr. President. It is a privilege for us to be playing Afghanistan in their historic first Test match as we did not want to let go of this opportunity. Cricket will further strengthen ties between the two countries and deliver a message of peace. Afghan players are well known and loved in India because of their participation in IPL which will increase in the coming years. “

Mr. Choudhary also announced that the international teams who visit India for bilateral series will play a practice match against Afghanistan for whom it will serve as an international match. It will be a vital addition as it will help increase the morale and upgrade the skills of players. He promised that BCCI will cooperate with ACB in infrastructure development to strengthen the game in Afghanistan.

ACB chairman said: “Afghanistan is now a full member of ICC and we also enjoy cordial relations with BCCI which will be further strengthened as we strive to work together to further develop the game in the country.”

Mr. Choudhary expressed hope that the day may not be far when Indian Cricket team visits Afghanistan and plays matches here.