Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) shifts home base from India to Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Poor ground conditions in Noida and financial losses from the abandoned Test against New Zealand led to the decision.
UAE will host Afghanistan’s matches, training camps, and youth tournaments for the next five years.
Why Did Afghanistan Leave India for UAE?
For years, Afghanistan used India as its home ground for international cricket, playing in Greater Noida, Dehradun, and Lucknow. However, after the Test match against New Zealand was abandoned due to poor ground maintenance, the BCCI faced heavy criticism.
Reports suggest discussions were held to offer Afghanistan venues in Kanpur, Noida, and Lucknow, but financial losses from the washed-out match and concerns over BCCI’s management led the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) to make a major decision—moving to UAE.
What Does This Mean for Afghanistan Cricket?
Abu Dhabi will now serve as Afghanistan’s official home venue for international matches.
UAE will also host training camps, A-team fixtures, and national age-group tournaments.
The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and ACB will collaborate to organize future series.
ACB Chief Naseeb Khan expressed gratitude to UAE, calling this a turning point for Afghanistan cricket. He highlighted that UAE has played a crucial role in helping Afghanistan compete at the highest level.
How Does This Affect India and BCCI?
BCCI loses its hosting rights for Afghanistan’s international matches, a significant shift in cricketing partnerships.
Afghanistan will now train and develop its players outside India, strengthening ties with the UAE.
This move raises concerns about BCCI’s handling of smaller cricketing nations and its ability to maintain high-standard venues.
With Abu Dhabi as Afghanistan’s new cricketing home, will this impact India’s influence in world cricket?
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