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In a historic development that is set to change the fortunes of one of Test cricket's newest entrants, the Indian team will host Afghanistan for their first ever Test. The decision was made during BCCI's SGM that was held on December 11.
The dates, as well as the venue for the game, will be decided later.
"Afghans were scheduled to play their first Test in 2019 versus Australia but considering the historic relationship between India and Afghanistan, we decided to host their first Test," said BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary after the Special General Meeting today.
Rahul Johri, chief executive of the BCCI, welcomed the Afghanistan team with a message on Twitter.
Afghanistan and Ireland joined the ranks of other full-Test playing nations after the ICC had backed them in June this year, permitting them to join the elite list of nations that play five-day Tests. They received the unanimous backing of other nations, during the annual conference held in London.
Ireland will make their Test debut at home, against Pakistan in May 2018.
"For a nation like Afghanistan it is a huge and remarkable achievement, the entire nation will be celebrating across all five regions and different provinces. It is the perfect Eid gift," Afghanistan Cricket Board Chief Executive Shafiq Stanikzai had said after Afghanistan had gained Test status.
The battle-torn country's cricket has taken giant strides: although the game has been played for long, only recently has the national side gained focus for consistently punching above their weight and putting consistent performances.
Cricket between India and Afghanistan has been closely linked: a year ago, the Shahid Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida, had been announced as the home ground for the Afghanistan team, after they decided to shift from their earlier home ground at Sharjah.
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