NEW DELHI: India will host Afghanistan’s maiden Test match from June 14 to 18 in Bengaluru, it was decided at a meeting between officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Tuesday.
BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary told PTI that Bengaluru emerged as the best-possible venue for the historic match.
“Bengaluru because at that time of the year, there will be rains almost everywhere and where it will not be raining, there will be such heat that cricket will be practically impossible during day time. Considering all the factors Bengaluru was the finest choice,” said Choudhary.
Bengaluru was in the running as the leading venue for the match after the BCCI, last month, announced that it would host the neighbouring country’s entry into the five-day format. The one-off Test contest has been named the IndoAfghanistan Friendship Series and has been scheduled 15 days after the IPL gets over in May, and before India depart for long tour of England and Ireland.
Afghanistan earned their Test status alongside Ireland in June last year. Their respective boards were made full members of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in June, becoming the sport’s 11th and 12h Test-playing nations.
ACB chairman Shukrullah Atif Mashal said, “The historic friendship between India and Afghanistan cannot be denied. It goes back to centuries. I am glad that cricket is also added to it.”
The team from the strife-torn nation has hosted its home games in India, most recently the series against Ireland in Greater Noida. Thirteen Afghan players have registered themselves for the IPL auction on January 27-28.
The ACB chairman also mentioned that they have requested for another home ground in India besides Greater Noida. “We are a full member (and will be playing more games), so we have requested the BCCI for another home ground. In principle, we have agreed and will be announcing the exact ground very soon,” said Mashal.
