Delegation and players of the Cricket Federation of Uzbekistan (CFU) visit Kabul following the landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two neighbouring countries. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and CFU officially signed the MoU in Tashkent on the 1st of December, aimed at developing and fostering cricketing ties between the two nations. The request had initially come from the Chairman of CFU Mr. Aziz Mihliev in one of the ICC meetings. Mr Aziz told ACB Media “I met ACB Chairman, respected Mirwais Ashraf in one of the International Cricket Meetings. We had a very good discussion; I tried to convey to him the message (of supporting CFU). Following the ICC meeting, ACB had approached CFU to discuss the details of the MoU and how ACB can support cricket in Uzbekistan.

The MoU sets out a comprehensive roadmap over the course of five years aimed at enhancing organisational development, providing training to Uzbek national players as well as strengthening the technical capabilities of CFU, which will include coaching courses, umpiring and officiating training, S&C and physiotherapy programs, talent identification, and development camps led by elite Afghan coaches.

Friendly fixtures on youth level are also an integral part of the MoU. ACB Spokesperson Mr. Sayed Naseem Sadat told ACA “Afghanistan’s A team, U19 team and domestic competitions champion teams will also feature in bilateral fixtures in Uzbekistan in order to help provide the competitive exposure necessary for the CFU’s on-field cricket development.”

Following the official endorsement of the MoU, a delegation from CFU visited Kabul on the 21 December, including three officials and three players (fast bowlers). The officials attended the two days long match-referee course organised at the ACB headquarters in Kabul. The course was delivered by an official match referee from the international Cricket Council.

The three fast bowlers are invited to partake in ACB’s fast bowling training which is scheduled to take place in the southern city of Kandahar. “ACB requested us to send three bowlers, it was difficult to select only three players because the news was widespread among the players and the interest was so much that I had to request the ACB if we can send more players, ACB assured us that more similar opportunities will definitely arise in the near future, where there will be extra spaces allocated to CFU players.” said CFU’s Chairman Mr Aziz during his Kabul visit.

This mutual cooperation is a pivotal moment which marks a significant milestone for ACB as a rising cricketing body. By extending a helping hand beyond it’s border, ACB reinforces it’s role as regional influential stakeholder in the global growth of the game of cricket, as well as deepening diplomatic and institutional ties in the region. Sharing hard-earned expertise with emerging nations like Uzbekistan, positions Afghanistan as a leading force in nurturing cricket across the region.