The Peninsula
The Afghanistan cricket team landed at its ‘new home’ in Doha on Tuesday morning to host an international series against The Netherlands.
Afghanistan team has brought 31 players and support staff members for the ICC Super League ODI Series for 2023 World Cup Qualifier. Besides the three ODIs on January 21, 23 and 25, the Afghanistan team will have practice sessions and friendly matches against Qatar as well.
After two days of practice on January 5 and 6, the Afghan players will take on Qatar in the first ODI on January 7 (Friday) at the Asian Town Stadium, starting at 9 am. The second Qatar ODI is scheduled on January 14.
With Qatar leading a generous international help to Afghanistan people in the past, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has made Qatar as its second home and will also host its future international matches here.
Qatar Cricket Association President Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Saud Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, while welcoming the Afghan team and its support staff, said: “The QCA is pleased that the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has adopted Qatar as its new home. We’re fully geared up to provide whatever the ACB needs to organise practice and matches here.
“We welcome the ACB players and its staff and wish a successful series against the Dutch team at the Asian Town Stadium under the auspices of the International Cricket Council (ICC),” he added.
QCB Operations Manager Abdul Wali Aminthanked the QCB and its president for the elaborate arrangements for the upcoming international assignment. “The Afghanistan team has been Qatar before and we’re quite delighted to return for our new series. The QCA has arranged superb facilities for us and we’re grateful to the State of Qatar and the QCA for their wonderful gesture.”