Afghanistan receives $1 million from India for construction of cricket stadium

Afghanistan players are all smiles after their drawn ODI series in Zimbabwe.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) will be hopeful of hosting international matches in the near future following the Indian government granting $1 million as funds for the construction of a cricket stadium in the war-torn country.

The stadium is expected to be built in Kandahar’s northern suburb at Aino Mina, on a land that was donated for the same by their government in 2012.

"The construction of this stadium will be a major boost to the development of cricket in the southern region as well as in the whole country. The addition of this facility will allow greater developments in terms of coaching and performance as well as regular competitions,” Dr Noor Murad, the ACB's chief executive officer said after expressing his gratitude for India’s generosity.

A statement from India read: "We [India] have recognised that sports, including cricket and football, have united the country and enthused the youth more than anything else. We hope that this new facility, and the various initiatives taken by ACB, will further popularise cricket and bring greater glory to the nation.”

The good news for Afghanistan has come on the back of their heroic draw against Zimbabwe in a 4-match ODI series – their first against a full member nation. Afghanistan staged a fantastic comeback against the African nation after losing the first two matches of the series before triumphing in the next two.

The following is a photo-copy of the letter that Amar Sinha, India’s ambassador to Afghanistan, sent to the Afghan President Hamid Karzai regarding the donation.

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