Afghanistan in discussions to play a full series against India

Denzil Pinto 23:30 11/12/2017
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  • Afghanistan could play more than just a Test match against India after their chairman Atif Mashal revealed they “are still in negotiations in making it a full series.”

    Both nations announced on Monday that Afghanistan will play their first-ever Test match in India and although there was no exact date, it could take place as early next year.

    Mashal, chairman of Afghanistan Cricket Board, told Sport360 that more details of the venue and date will be revealed in a press conference later and confirmed talks are still on-going of scheduling more games against Virat Kohli’s side on their tour.

    “It will be a Test match, just one match but we are still in negotiations to make it a full series,” he said. “We are hoping to play more matches but it’s not confirmed yet.”

    However, Mashal didn’t make it clear whether Afghanistan plan to play more Tests or limited-overs matches in India.

    The announcement comes six months after Afghanistan, who along with Ireland were voted as full members during June’s ICC board meeting in London.

    It was another milestone for Afghanistan cricket and Mashal says the game will be a historic moment for the country.

    “It’s wonderful news for Afghanistan,” he said. “India are a big nation in cricket and it’s great for the India and Afghanistan relationship. We will be giving this Test match a special name. It’s only going to be a match but it will be a historic moment between two nations’ friendship.”

    There had been speculation that Afghanistan would play their first-ever Test match in Sharjah in February with Zimbabwe a possible opponent.

    But with both sides set to compete in the 2019 World Cup qualifiers, their series does not include a five-day match.

    Mashal is hopeful that could take place in the future and reassured that Sharjah is still in the frame of staging a Test whenever the national team is hosting.

    “Yes, for sure,” he said. “When we are hosting a team we will play that match in Sharjah.

    “A Test match against Zimbabwe was the plan but unfortunately, we are both focusing on the World Cup qualifiers. After that we will discuss it more.”

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