After Greater Noida Test fiasco, Afghanistan cricket snubs India for Abu Dhabi
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially announced its decision to shift its cricketing base from India to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the ongoing political instability in Afghanistan. This move comes after a series of challenges faced while hosting matches in India, particularly highlighted by a disastrous one-off Test against New Zealand in Greater Noida last year, where poor drainage facilities prevented any play despite no rain on the first day.
The ACB had previously relied on India as a “second home,” hosting matches in various cities, including Dehradun and Lucknow. However, following the Greater Noida incident, the ACB has opted for a more stable environment. They have signed a five-year agreement with the Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub (ADCSH), which will serve as the new hub for all training camps and Afghanistan A and national age-group matches.
This partnership also opens the possibility for Afghanistan’s men’s national team to play all bilateral cricket in the UAE, pending further discussions with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB). Historically, Afghanistan has played two Tests in the UAE and has previously engaged in white-ball cricket there. This strategic move aims to provide better infrastructure and support for Afghan cricket moving forward.