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The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has secured a major partnership with the Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub (ADCSH), officially designating Abu Dhabi as Afghanistan’s primary training and match hub until 2029.
This five-year “destination support agreement” will see all Afghanistan national team training camps, Afghanistan A, and age-group matches take place in Abu Dhabi. The agreement also opens the door for future bilateral series collaboration with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), potentially allowing Afghanistan to host senior men’s international matches in the UAE.
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A Major Step for Afghanistan Cricket
The agreement follows high-level discussions between the ACB, ADCSH, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), with all parties committed to expanding cricket opportunities for Afghan players globally.
A joint statement from the organizations noted that the agreement “also encompasses support for the ACB to facilitate the Board’s global operations and enhance player development pathways.”
Abu Dhabi Strengthens Its Role as Afghanistan’s ‘Second Home’
Matt Boucher, CEO of ADCSH, expressed enthusiasm about strengthening Abu Dhabi’s connection with Afghanistan cricket.
“Our facilities have already welcomed the world’s best players, and this agreement strengthens our commitment to nurturing global sporting and cricket talent while leveraging its capacity to be a force for societal good. We’ve loved hosting Afghanistan over the last couple of years and are pleased to confirm Abu Dhabi as their second home,” Boucher said.
ACB Chief Executive Naseeb Khan highlighted the crucial role this partnership will play in Afghanistan’s cricket development, particularly in fostering youth talent and infrastructure growth.
“This agreement is a turning point for Afghanistan cricket. The opportunity to now focus on Abu Dhabi as our training base and our home for age-group participation will allow us to elevate Afghanistan’s sporting success and build a strong national future for the game of cricket in our country,” Khan said.
Why Afghanistan Needed a New ‘Home’ for Cricket
Due to Afghanistan’s complex political situation, the country has struggled to host international cricket matches on home soil. As a result, Afghanistan has often used alternative “home” venues in India and the UAE.
Over the years, the Afghan team has played home series in Dehradun, Lucknow, and Greater Noida in India, as well as across various UAE venues.
Afghanistan’s Recent History in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has already served as a crucial venue for Afghanistan’s cricketing history, hosting:
- Three Test matches (Two vs. Zimbabwe in March 2021, One vs. Ireland in February 2024).
- Multiple ODI and T20I matches as part of bilateral series.
A Long-Term Vision for Afghanistan Cricket
With Abu Dhabi now confirmed as Afghanistan’s long-term training and match hub, this agreement marks a new era for Afghan cricket, offering players a stable and world-class environment to train and develop.
With the UAE’s top-tier cricket facilities and its growing role as a global cricketing hub, Afghanistan’s presence in Abu Dhabi until 2029 could significantly enhance the team’s performance on the international stage.
