The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) delegates recently visited Kabul and held a meeting with the ACB (Afghanistan Cricket Board) to strengthen cricketing ties between the two countries and in attempt to do so, the former has announced that the international teams touring India will play a practice match against Afghanistan.

BCCI had previously allowed Afghanistan cricket team to use Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground as their home base and then the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Dehradun was named as the second home ground for the Afghans earlier this year. India will also host Afghanistan for their inaugural Test.

“It is an honor to be here in Kabul being invited by Mr President. It is a privilege for us to be playing Afghanistan in their historic first Test as we did not want to let go of this opportunity,” BCCI acting secretary, Amitabh Choudhary, reportedly said.

“Cricket will further strengthen ties between the two countries and deliver a message of peace. Afghan players are well known and loved in India because of their participation in the Indian Premier League which will increase in the coming years,” Choudhary added.

The recent decision taken by the BCCI to schedule a match between Afghanistan and every international side that visits India, will allow the newly promoted Test-playing team to have constant international exposure.

“Afghanistan is now a full member of the ICC (International Cricket Council) and we also enjoy cordial relations with BCCI which will be further strengthened as we strive to work together to further develop the game in the country,” ACB Chairman Atif Mashal quoted.