Afghanistan’s Test cricket aspirations hinge on securing a permanent home venue in India, according to captain Hashmatullah Shahidi. Currently unable to host international matches at home, Afghanistan has been forced to play their home Tests at various locations in India, including Dehradun, Lucknow, and Abu Dhabi.
Shahidi believes that establishing a single home venue would significantly enhance Afghanistan’s performance in red-ball cricket. “If we stick with one venue, it will be more effective for us,” he said. “We know our own conditions very well. So hopefully that time comes in future that teams come to Afghanistan.”
Afghanistan’s Test record has been limited, with only nine matches played in six years. However, Shahidi is eager for more opportunities against top-ranked teams. “If we get a lot more chances with the good teams, we will improve,” he said. “I think if we get more chances on regular basis, we will improve a lot.”
Shahidi also expressed a desire for longer Test series, believing that it would provide Afghanistan with valuable experience. “If we get three- or four-match series in one time, I think it will be very good for us as a side,” he said. “Playing matches will make us even better on judging the ball and playing good cricket in red-ball format.”
Despite their limited Test experience, Afghanistan has made significant strides in white-ball cricket, reaching the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup earlier this year. Shahidi is confident that Afghanistan can achieve similar success in Test cricket. “We want to show to the world our best format is Test cricket,” he said. “I think we have that ability to do it and need to show it.”
However, the upcoming Test against New Zealand in Greater Noida is threatened by inclement weather, with rain and thunderstorms forecast for the coming week. It remains to be seen how much red-ball action Afghanistan will get from this match.
