Afghanistan to take part in Asia Cup

KABUL as the fifth team to play in next month’s Asia Cup in Bangladesh.

The tournament would go ahead as scheduled in Bangladesh from February 25 to March 7, Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chief Executive Ashraful Haq told reporters in Colombo.

All 11 matches will take place in Dhaka as planned, despite the violence that has plagued the city in the build-up to Sunday’s general elections.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board hailed the decision as a historic victory for Afghanistan, saying the achievement was the result of untiring efforts by the board and players.

ACB Chief Executive Dr. Noor Mohammad Murad called it a matchless achievement in the history of Afghanistan cricket. He said the decision showed Afghanistan had a bright future.

Afghanistan will join India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the 50-over tournament.

The fast-improving Afghanistan team, which qualified for their maiden appearance in the ICC World Cup in 2015, also made it to their third successive ICC World Twenty20.

“This is a big step forward for Afghanistan,” the ACC chief executive said in Colombo. “Their participation in the Asia Cup will encourage them for the bigger tests ahead.”

ma/mud

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