Afghan cricketers leave for Canada

KABUL with a tour of Canada, with the two sides playing their first match on August 2.

Following visa delays, the team left Kabul on Sunday on a two hour flight to New Delhi, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said.

On reaching the Indian capital, the squad will embark on a 15-hour flight and reach Canada on August 1. Left with no practice time, the players will go straight to the cricket ground

Current holders of the Intercontinental Cup, a tired Afghan team will meet the hosts on Tuesday. “We are feeling very confident,” said skipper Nawroz Mangal.

“We know that all of Afghanistan will be praying for us in this special time of Ramadan. Insha Allah (God willing), we will succeed,” he added.

Former Pakistani cricketer and ACC Development Officer Iqbal Sikander will be the acting coach for Afghanistan’s tour in Canada, replacing Rashid Latif, who resigned recently after a series of losses.

ACB Chief Executive Officer Naseem Danish voiced optimism about the team’s performance. “As always, this team carries with it the hopes and prayers of millions of people. Cricket is more than just a game for us; it is a matter of national pride and honour.”

pr/mud

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