Qualifying For CT 2025 is an Achievement For Afghanistan

What is the future of cricket in Afghanistan? Can they hold international cricket matches? What role does the Taliban government play in cricket-related issues? Mirawais Ashraf, the president of the ACB, decided to respond to some of these queries in an exclusive interview with Billy 777.

The former national cricket player, currently in charge for the second time after his three-year term was extended, talked candidly about his difficulties, the board's relationship with the ICC, and many other topics.

Excerpts:

When you took over three years ago, what was your biggest obstacle? In these three years, how far have you come towards your objective?

Following the country's government change, we faced several important obstacles. The main problems were limited marketing outreach, the need for partnerships with international and credible sports marketing agencies, budgetary constraints, banking and financial issues, logistical challenges relating to visa and travel issues, and the requirement to host the ACB's home events abroad.

Even though there were additional difficulties, the whole ACB team put in a lot of effort to keep our organisation running smoothly and to address and overcome these barriers.

We set clear objectives for ourselves right from the start, and happily, we have made significant strides towards accomplishing many of them. We concentrated on putting organisational reforms into place, reaching out to national and international companies and securing sponsorship deals for the team and organisation, qualifying for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 through the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League event, hosting top-ranked teams and putting on impressive performances against them, raising the bar for domestic cricket, formalising our partnership with the Emirates Cricket Board (where we typically host international teams),

What is your greatest challenge, and how do you approach it?

There are many difficulties in hosting international games in Afghanistan. We are currently renovating three cricket venues in Kabul, Nangarhar, and Khost. Convincing international cricketing nations to host matches in Afghanistan is the main goal of our efforts.

Furthermore, holding bilateral series and other competitions abroad continues to be a significant challenge. The ACB has had to keep all of its "home" matches in neutral nations like the United Arab Emirates, India, Sri Lanka, or Qatar ever since Afghanistan began playing international cricket.

Because the Afghan squad and the visiting team must be accommodated simultaneously, the ACB has had to incur additional logistical and lodging costs due to this circumstance. As a result, the ACB has spent more than is normally required to host one club.

If we upgraded our home venues and persuaded foreign teams to travel to Afghanistan, more people would be able to attend cricket matches.

This would also allow supporters to cheer on their side in person. The local community would become more enthusiastic and interested in cricket as a result of the increase in attendance, which would eventually aid the ACB in expanding its national fan base.

In your opinion, what part does the ICC play in elevating Afghanistan?

One of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) most noteworthy accomplishments over the past 20 years is the rise of Afghanistan cricket.

The international cricket community and the ICC, which has continuously supported the Afghanistan Cricket Team and the ACB along this trip, have taken notice of the incredible growth of cricket in Afghanistan.

The ACB strongly focuses on its dedication to the expansion and advancement of cricket globally and is committed to cultivating constructive and cooperative partnerships with the ICC and all member states.

Do you still need to relaunch APL? Can you accomplish it right now?

Following a comprehensive assessment of all interested businesses, we produced a lengthy list of possible partners who satisfied our requirements. The best applicants were shortlisted, and the most qualified company was finally chosen with the board members' assistance.

The contract negotiations are now nearing their conclusion, and we are thrilled with the development. We hope to provide positive news on the APL's relaunch soon.

Do you manage the board independently, or does the current Taliban government meddle in its operations?

The Afghanistan Cricket Federation was founded in 1995, marking the beginning of cricket's long history in Afghanistan during the Islamic Emirate's first control period. The government chose me as Chairman of the Afghanistan Cricket Board during this time, the first time a former national player was ever given this position.

Their assistance has been vital to us ever since and has never ceased. They have continuously supported ACB activities throughout the years and assisted us in putting our policies into practice.

Renewing the terms of ACB leadership based on performance and accomplishments over the previous three years has been one of the most important actions. In summary, the current administration has provided substantial assistance when required and respects our independence.

Do Australians need to prepare to receive you? Are you dissatisfied with everything? Would playing at home versus Australia have greatly improved your cricket game?

Around the world, the ACB has consistently stood its ground and promoted cricket that is impartial and devoid of politics. Cricket Given how important cricket is to boosting our country's spirits and fostering unity, Australia's decision to pull out of three bilateral series with Afghanistan is disheartening.

The ACB is still dedicated to sustaining solid ties with every cricketing nation. To resolve this issue and guarantee that cricket stays free from political influence and upholds ICC principles for the good of all parties, we are willing to work with the ICC, Cricket Australia, and other full members.

Are you happy with the funds that ICC sends you?

We are pleased that the ICC raised the annual money we received last year. But the number of cricket matches we have played in the past two years, both at home and abroad, has led to substantial costs.

We spent the first two months of 2024 touring the United Arab Emirates, India, and Sri Lanka. After hosting Ireland in the United Arab Emirates for a series in every format, we went to the Caribbean to play in the T20 World Cup.

After that, we hosted the ODI series against Bangladesh and South Africa. Along with the U19 team, our national A teams, the AfghanAbdalyans, participated in several bilateral and multi-nation competitions and carried out substantial domestic and international activities.

In the domestic arena, we hosted twelve tournaments, including the first-ever QoshTepa National T20 Cup, the ninth Shpageeza Cricket League, and the seventh List A and First-Class competitions.

The QoshTepa National T20 Cup and the List A Cup were created and televised using 14-camera sets, significantly reducing our costs. Still, the Shpageeza Cricket League was produced using a 16-camera setup.

In terms of development, multiple cricket academies and more than ten cricket grounds are being built in different regions.

Three important cricket grounds are being renovated to prepare them for hosting international matches. On an organisational level, we also engage in numerous other projects that demand significant financial resources. The sums allotted for Central Contracts, Domestic Contracts, and Match Fees for domestic and international matches have also increased substantially.

The costs of our domestic and international cricket and national development initiatives are very considerable. The ICC will enhance our yearly financing to serve Afghanistan cricket's requirements better and assist it in reaching new heights.

Many questions surround the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy. What does the Champions Trophy's future hold? Would a hybrid format be an option? Can Afghanistan's participation in the Champions Trophy be considered a major accomplishment?

We consider our qualification for the ICC Champions Trophy to be one of the major accomplishments in Afghanistan Cricket's recent history, and it is anticipated to be a huge event for us.

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Over the last two years, our squad has performed admirably in the ODI format, and we are confident going into the next major cricket tournament. We're excited to take part in this esteemed competition, which will better the cricket community as a whole and help Afghanistan.