“In six years…”: Afghanistan skipper calls for more Test cricket

Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi yearned for more Test cricket and for a more dedicated venue for his side in India.

Afghanistan cannot play in their home country due to ongoing security issues and thus, play matches in 3 Indian states namely – Greater Noida, Lucknow and Dehradun.

“India is our home, and when we host teams, other nations have played more cricket here. Hopefully, we will get a good venue here in India and if we restrict ourselves to one venue, it will be effective for us. Hopefully, the ACB and the BCCI will get us a good venue,” Shahidi said.

“If you see our records in first-class, it’s good because we play at our home ground. We know those conditions. Hopefully, in the future, there will be a time when the teams will travel to Afghanistan and our average will be higher,” Shahidi added.

Afghanistan have become quite a strong side in white-ball cricket, however in red-ball cricket have only played a total of 9 matches since receiving their Test status back in 2017 with most of them being one-off Tests.

“In six years, nine games is not more. We are new in this format. We need more experience. If we get more chances on a regular basis, we will improve a lot. It’s in the hands of the ACB and ICC. When it comes to Test cricket, some players are different from those who play in the leagues,” Shahidi said.

“If we get three-four match series at a stretch, it will be helpful for us as a side. If you look at our past, we would prepare only 10 days ahead of a Test match. It’s not easy to come to red-ball cricket, by just playing in the nets. Only if you play matches, will you get better at judging the ball,” Shahidi added.

The Afghanistan skipper also gave his views on the upcoming one-off Test match against New Zealand that will be played in Greater Noida.

“It’s a good opportunity for us to play against New Zealand, given their rankings. Hopefully, the ACB will try harder to give us opportunities against bigger teams in the future,” Shahidi said.

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