Afghanistan play better than some full-members and are ready for promotion, says CEO

Eager to convince the all-powerful BCCI to rethink their decision on the two-tier Test system, Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) Chief Executive, Shafiq Stanikzai, is keeping all eyes tuned on next month’s ICC meeting in Dubai.

In an interview with Cricbuzz, he called for a promotion up the pecking order citing the progress made by Afghanistan over the years and went on to claim that they play better than some of the lower-ranked full-members.

Stanikzai felt, “We would be the most frustrated nation if we don't get full membership. Hopefully, it happens soon because we are ready and we are playing better than some of the other (full member) countries. We can't do much more on-and-off the field, so we deserve some recognition.”

Currently there are ten Test-playing nations and if the proposal for a revamp goes through, a couple more could be added. With seven teams in the first tier, five others may comprise the second group.

However, chances of a revamp appear to be pretty low with BCCI apparently not in favor of dividing the Test arena. Even though authorities in Australia, New Zealand, England and South Africa support the proposal, India’s off-field influence may see them have the final say. BCCI President, Anurag Thakur had recently reasoned “smaller countries will lose out” and “it is necessary to protect their interests”.

Understandably frustrated, Stanikzai revealed, “It is disappointing, India's stance. But, it is totally their decision and we hope (the proposal) still gets passed. We haven't had meetings with the BCCI but are hoping to soon, perhaps after the T20 series (between India and West Indies in Florida). It (Test revamp) is looking unlikely but we hope to have discussions with India and see what eventuates from there.”

But, he thanked BCCI for providing them with a ‘home’ venue at Greater Noida. Due to the prevailing security situation, Afghanistan are hosting other teams in India following a Memorandum of Understanding last year.

On their future plans, Stanikzai quipped, “We are happy to be based in Noida as India is the home of cricket. There are great facilities in Noida and it is such a big market with vast media opportunities. The timeframe to be based there is not specific, so we are not sure about the longer-term. UAE and Malaysia, who we recently chatted to, could be options down the track.”

Despite the other developments, Afghanistan could still attain Test status if they end up winning the ICC Intercontinental Cup following which they will play a 4-match series against the lowest ranked team in 2018 in a bid to become the 11^th full-member nation until at least 2022.