In a historic event, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to play 2 T20 friendly matches in Kabul and Lahore during July and August in order to renew the ties between these two countries. In the meeting between these two countries, the Pakistani board have decided to give Afghanistan under 19 team proper facilities in Karachi which will be followed by Under 19 bilateral series between these two countries.
“I am happy to have great discussion with Pakistan Cricket Board and agreed on various plans. We are renewing this relation with a friendly match between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Kabul and then we will return to Pakistan to play one. We have also agreed to play a bilateral series for which dates will be decided later.”
In 2013, the Afghanistan cricketers were given facilities in National Academy in Lahore but due to problems with Pakistan board, the ACB found an alternative venue in Greater Noida to host international matches.
Afghanistan became the first team to play in Pakistan after 2009 Lahore terror attacks. In 2016, Afghanistan was in talks with the Pakistan board to play in Pakistan but due to attack in recreational park in Lahore, the series did not happen.
Afghanistan made their ODI debut against Scotland. They were given the associate membership in 2013. They made their World Cup debut in 2015 World Cup held at Australia and New Zealand. The Afghan Cricket team have participated 4 ICC T20 tournaments. In the previous edition in India, they defeated the virtual Champions West Indies.
They have won 2 silver medals in the Asian Games. Afghanistan Cricket team qualified for the Asia Cup in 2014. In One day international format against full member’s nations, their best record is against Zimbabwe with 11 wins and 8 losses. While in T20 format also, Afghanistan has a better record against Zimbabwe with 5 wins out of 5 matches.
For Afghanistan, Mohammad Shahzad has the highest score with 131* while Rashid Khan has the best bowling figures against Ireland taking 6/43 at Greater Noida this year. Mohammad Nabi is the leading wicket taker with 84 wickets and runs scorer with 1902 runs for Afghan while Mohammad Shahzad is the leading runs scorer 1779 runs and Mohammad Nabi the leading wicket taker in T20 format with 57 wickets.
