Afghanistan- Test status is coming their way soon...

Zat wrote:Ireland, Scotland and Kenya are all more deserving of Test status than Afghanistan. Indeed you could possibly put Canada on that list too.

But being more deserving doesn't mean they actually deserve it.

At least the Afghans are mostly locals. Not sure the Ireland and Canada can say that.

Not quite sure that England can say that!

I liked the look of that young Irish spinner, Dockrell. One of the states could do well to get him on a contract.

Aye the 17 y o - bowled like a veteran and kept his head well the other evening.

Think Middlesex have already had a chat with him ... (Eoin Morgan's "influence") - so see what happens..... we're bound to ruin him of course!!

The Afghan story is really inspiring and a welcome change from the usual stories your hear about the country - terrorists hiding in caves, rigged elections and soldiers returning home in body bags.

Andy Bull on the Guardian has written some excellent articles about the team over the past few weeks. It is incredible with all the turmoil that they have managed to produce such a fine team. A couple of years ago they were ranked at about the same ability as Japan and Botswana.

For many reasons, most beyond cricket, I would be delighted if in 25 years time both Pakistan and Afghanistan were hosting regular Test cricket.

Yup.

Didn't like to see a team lose against India for perhaps the first time.

Gary 111 wrote:The Afghan story is really inspiring and a welcome change from the usual stories your hear about the country - terrorists hiding in caves, rigged elections and soldiers returning home in body bags.

Andy Bull on the Guardian has written some excellent articles about the team over the past few weeks. It is incredible with all the turmoil that they have managed to produce such a fine team. A couple of years ago they were ranked at about the same ability as Japan and Botswana.

For many reasons, most beyond cricket, I would be delighted if in 25 years time both Pakistan and Afghanistan were hosting regular Test cricket.

Great post, Gary.

On top of the rapidly developing player talent, the delight and passion of their supporters is fantastic to see.

Just read an Andy Bull article regarding the Afghan team (thanks to Gary), it is indeed a story of inspiration and enjoyment for cricket which some established nations probably take for granted.

I know it's a long shot, but would Afghanistan ever find a place in the County Championship if the overhaul and renovation included three leagues, rather than the conventional two?


Either that, or players from Kenya, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe to be given further opportunities to play in England.

I suppose by allowing players "opportunities" to play in the CC might raise the fear of increased Kolpak's and individuals opting to play for England instead of their own nation due to the convenience of playing in England and living there.


What's the policy on short term contracts for overseas players?

I'd be inclined to hire Noor Ali to bolster our batting for a bit in the four day game.

Perhaps, but Afghanistan should not harm the progress of their young players by involving them at the weaker end of county competition ... they'd do better getting their better players attached to the strongest teams in the CC, first division. No point having them practise against the dross of division 2 (or 3).

lardbucket wrote:Perhaps, but Afghanistan should not harm the progress of their young players by involving them at the weaker end of county competition ... they'd do better getting their better players attached to the strongest teams in the CC, first division. No point having them practise against the dross of division 2 (or 3).

FFS Lardy, we are not the pits of Division 2.

Someone is ... I have no idea where Glamorgan is currently, before you knot your underclothes

Above Merlin.

So Merlin likes to be bottom?

He likes eleven Welsh above him.

Or Welsh elven above him.

Or something.

Something best left for a discussion away from any sort of discussion.

DJ_Smerk wrote:Just read an Andy Bull article regarding the Afghan team (thanks to Gary), it is indeed a story of inspiration and enjoyment for cricket which some established nations probably take for granted.

I know it's a long shot, but would Afghanistan ever find a place in the County Championship if the overhaul and renovation included three leagues, rather than the conventional two?


Either that, or players from Kenya, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe to be given further opportunities to play in England.

If the political will was there in the counties i'm sure they could give certain countries like Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Kenya (maybe even Pakistan and the West Indies) exempt status for overseas players. You could maybe stipulate that counties are allowed 1 or 2 of these extra overseas players in the squad, that the players are under 25, and the signing must be approved by the national cricket board.

Part of what made the 1980s West Indians so great was the apprenticeship players like Gordon Greenidge, Viv Richards and Clive Lloyd received in the English game.

DJ_Smerk wrote:Just read an Andy Bull article regarding the Afghan team (thanks to Gary), it is indeed a story of inspiration and enjoyment for cricket which some established nations probably take for granted.

I know it's a long shot, but would Afghanistan ever find a place in the County Championship if the overhaul and renovation included three leagues, rather than the conventional two?


Either that, or players from Kenya, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe to be given further opportunities to play in England.

Interesting point regarding the CC Smerky ....... similar thing posed by Bas in my "Associate Nations" thread.

Gary 111 wrote:The Afghan story is really inspiring and a welcome change from the usual stories your hear about the country - terrorists hiding in caves, rigged elections and soldiers returning home in body bags.

Andy Bull on the Guardian has written some excellent articles about the team over the past few weeks. It is incredible with all the turmoil that they have managed to produce such a fine team. A couple of years ago they were ranked at about the same ability as Japan and Botswana.

For many reasons, most beyond cricket, I would be delighted if in 25 years time both Pakistan and Afghanistan were hosting regular Test cricket.

good post...you are a good poster just need to be a little LESS anti Shoaib and Shaun

PlanetPakistan wrote:

Gary 111 wrote:The Afghan story is really inspiring and a welcome change from the usual stories your hear about the country - terrorists hiding in caves, rigged elections and soldiers returning home in body bags.

Andy Bull on the Guardian has written some excellent articles about the team over the past few weeks. It is incredible with all the turmoil that they have managed to produce such a fine team. A couple of years ago they were ranked at about the same ability as Japan and Botswana.

For many reasons, most beyond cricket, I would be delighted if in 25 years time both Pakistan and Afghanistan were hosting regular Test cricket.

good post...you are a good poster just need to be a little LESS anti Shoaib and Shaun

Pollocks?

Never mind the Pollocks?

Great comeback by Afghanistan in the ICC Intercontinental Cup match against Papua New Guinea.

Afghanistan - 144 & 540
PNG - 295 & 188

They ended up making PNG look like a bunch of second raters.

They're willing and able, so they throw their cards on the ICC's table

amazing and sad Headingly-like turnaround in their ODI v Zimbabwe

Sad how shit Zimbabwe have become.