With the recent rise of Afghanistan cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is mulling the inclusion of not just the Asian country, but Ireland as well into the list of Test playing nations
Rajput
Afghanistan coach Rajput
With the recent rise of Afghanistan cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is mulling the inclusion of not just the Asian country, but Ireland as well into the list of Test playing nations. "England and a few other boards wanted Ireland to attain Test status before Afghanistan, but the Asian countries are strongly supporting Afghanistan. There is a possibility of both teams getting a chance to play Test cricket. The decision will be taken at the ICC’s next meeting," a source told mid-day on Friday.
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The Virat Kohli-led Team India are currently at the top of the ICC Test rankings with 122 points. Zimbabwe occupy the bottom position with just five points. In the ODI rankings, South Africa rule the roost with 119 points. Afghanistan (52 points) are in 10th position followed by Zimbabwe (48 points) and Ireland (42 points).
Former India Test opener Lalchand Rajput, currently the chief coach of Afghanistan, said his team have worked very hard and deserve to play Test cricket. "The results are there for all to see. We have been consistent in overcoming our opponents in all three formats — T20s, ODIs and the longer version. Seeing this kind of performance, the ICC should give us an opportunity to play Test cricket. If the ICC grants Test status to Ireland as well, it will be a welcome move," Rajput said.
Afghanistan will tour West Indies in May when they play three T20s and as many ODIs against the Caribbean team. Another upcoming highlight for Afghanistan will be their debut match at the iconic Lord’s cricket ground on July 11. Mohammad Nabi and Co, who recently won the ICC’s Intercontinental Cup by beating Ireland, will face former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum-led Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in a 50-over match. "To play at Lord’s is a big dream for every cricketer. The boys will be motivated to play and the match will be a good confidence- booster for Afghanistan. It will also be a huge achievement for me to coach a national team at the Mecca of cricket. However, we need to play good cricket and make use of this platform as an opportunity to showcase our talent," said Rajput, who was cricket manager of Team India when MS Dhoni-led team won the inaugural World T20 in 2007.
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