National squad staying aloof from politics, says Stanikzai

KABUL skipper Asghar Stanikzai has said the national squad, staying aloof from politics, is fully focused on how to improve its performance.

In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, the captain said players had nothing to do with cricket administration and political issues.

“Our priority is cricket; we are busy training and preparing for future games,” said Stanikzai, who is usually criticised for his slow strike rate.

He met new administration officials, who assured the team of complete support. The skipper welcomed the stance of the new board chief on discipline, saying it was in the interest of the board and the team.

Stanikzai praised former the ex-Afghanistan Cricket Board chief, Nasimullah Danish, saying he had responded positively to players’ demands.

Referring to the recent series against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the captain said all boys, particularly youngsters, gave outstanding performances.

Earlier, President Ashraf Ghani removed ACB head Nasimullah Danish and appointed Shukrullah Atif Mashal as new ACB chairman.

Danish was accused of improper behaviour with some players and canceling their central contracts. Social media accused the former ACB chief of corruption and misuse of funds.

The newly-appointed head of ACB has pledged introducing reforms, warning against the creation of hurdles in the way of streamlining the game’s regulating body.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Mashal promised making the selection committee independent and accountable to the nation. He said players would be selected on the basis of performance, not nepotism.

“Now we are at the end of the year. The audit of every department of the board, including accounts, will take place,” he added. The entire board would be computerised and a database for national, international and academic records be created.

nh/mud

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