KARACHI: The cricket team of Pakistan’s renowned department, Habib Bank Limited (HBL) team arrived in Kabul on Sunday for a cricket series with Afghanistan’s Development Squad. The afghan cricket authorities are optimistic that the tour would go a long way in the development of cricket in the country. Talking to ‘scoreline.org’ from Kabul, the chief executive of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), Shafiqullah Stanikzai expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the HBL for sending the team to Afghanistan. “It is the first time that Afghanistan was hosting international players for cricket competition. I am thankful to the PCB and HBL for providing us with this great opportunity”, said Shafiq Stanikzai.
The sides are scheduled to play two four-day and four one-day matches in Kabul. The HBL team includes Pakistan’s national players and is captained by Imran Farhat, while Ahmed Shehzad is expected to join the team for the one-day series.
Shafiqullah Stanakzai further hoped that the series would pave the way for hosting other international teams. “Hosting the HBL team is the breakthrough and I hope it will pave the way for more visits from other international outfits”, said Shafiqullah Stanakzai
“This series will also provide good practice to Afghan players before the tours to Scotland and Ireland”, concluded Shafiqullah Stanakzai
Afghanistan Development Squad includes: Nawroz Mangal, Hamid Hassan, Shapoor Zadran, Javid Ahmadi, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Nasir Jamal, Rahmat Shah, Najib Zadran, Rashid Khan, Afsar Zazai, Farid Ahmad, Abdullah Adil, Sayed Ahmad Sherzad, Zahir Khan and Mohammad Sardar