
Afghanistan’s cricket landscape experiences a significant change as Asadullah Khan resumes his role as the chief selector, taking over from Noorulhaq Malikzai, who stepped down but will remain involved as a committee member. Khan, who recently served as the head coach in Qatar, expressed his enthusiasm about returning to Kabul and leading the selection committee.
In his statement, Malikzai highlighted his privilege in serving as the head of the selection committee for the esteemed Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and cited personal and family commitments as the reason for his resignation. However, he expressed his dedication to continuing his association with the ACB as a committee member, vowing to extend full cooperation to Asadullah Khan and the board.
With Khan at the helm, the four-member selection panel will also include supporting selectors Mir Mubariz and Ahmad Shah, while Taj Malik Alam and Mohammad Khan Zadran will retain their positions as domestic selectors. Khan, speaking about his new responsibility, expressed his honor and emphasized his familiarity with the ACB, having previously worked for the organization in different capacities. He pledged to identify talented players and provide them with opportunities to represent Afghanistan on the international stage.
Khan’s return to the chief selector position marks his reintegration into Afghanistan cricket after a stint in Qatar. His previous resignation from the same role was influenced by issues such as excessive interference from non-cricketers within the board who lacked knowledge about players and selection. Khan’s extensive experience in the domestic set-up, including coaching and video analysis, further highlights his significance within the cricketing fraternity.
Amidst these changes, Afghanistan’s cricket team is presently in Bangladesh for a comprehensive series featuring all formats, including a Test match. The team’s busy home season is set to follow, featuring matches against Zimbabwe, India, and Pakistan, alongside significant tournaments like the Asia Cup and the World Cup this year.