'Teams touring India will play practice games against Afghanistan' : BCCI

[hadi123]

KABUL: All international teams touring India will now play one practice game against Afghanistan, an arrangement which will constantly provide international exposure to the team from strife-torn nation.

The announcement was made by BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary during his visit here, per Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB).

Choudhary is in Afghanistan capital to discuss the bilateral cricketing relation between the two countries.

India will host Afghanistan in their historic first-ever Test match in Bengaluru from June 14-18.

Choudhary said it will be a vital addition as it will help increase the morale and also upgrade the skills of players.

ACB chairman Atif Mashal said: "Afghanistan is now a full member of ICC and we also enjoy cordial relations with BCCI which will be further strengthened as we strive to work together to further develop the game in the country."

Choudhary said: "It is an honour to be here in Kabul being invited by Mr. President (Mashal). It is a privilege for us to be playing Afghanistan in their historic first Test match as we did not want to let go of this opportunity.

"Cricket will further strengthen ties between the two countries and deliver a message of peace. Afghan players are well known and loved in India because of their participation in IPL which will increase in the coming years," BCCI acting secretary said.

Mashal, on his part, thanked BCCI for providing a second stadium for Afghanistan's home matches in Dehradun besides the one at Greater Noida. Afghanistan will "host" Bangladesh in a three-match T20 series at their adopted home in Dehradun.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com...nst-afghanistan-bcci/articleshow/64400659.cms

 

[PakSarZameen]

Afghanistan could have struck a similar deal with the PCB for Pakistan's UAE series, but the relationship between both boards have been soured.

Could have gotten a lot of Tests through Pakistan and India's home series.

 

[hadi123]

Afghanistan could have struck a similar deal with the PCB for Pakistan's UAE series, but the relationship between both boards have been soured.

Could have gotten a lot of Tests through Pakistan and India's home series.

Agreed. Hopefully Ireland can play every team who are touring England similar to this. They would give some teams competition for sure

 

[troodon]

Awesome news for Afghans. So now they get to play all Big fish. At least 4 or 5 matches against big names every year to go along with their regular schedule.

England is doing it for Ireland and India is doing it for Afghanistan.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Good stuff.

Teams who tour England should also tour Ireland for a couple of games.

 

[RamLakhan]

What about teams touring Australia, should they play matches in PNG? Also for South Africa it might be Kenya/Namibia/Zimbabwe.

 

[Slim]

Good news for Afghanistan. Other teams should follow suit; PNG in case of Australia (on alternate basis). Kenya in case of South Africa. Ireland in case of England. We need to grow the game.

 

[srh]

good news for Afghanistan and very good gesture by India.

 

[srh]

although logically it would have make more sense for India to appoint Nepal and Pakistan to appoint Afghanistan for practice games.

 

[Bouncer]

Indeed a great thing for Afghan cricket. But I must say I would be surprised if this got backing of all the votes from different region/zone cricketing bodies in India as playing against touring teams was a great way for them to showcase their talented players and make a case for their national selections.

I would not be surprised if this idea gets scrapped within next 2-3 years after different regions/zones start seeing its negative impact on their cricket.

 

[www787]

Great, should be implemented for every minnow team.

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

We should do one with Nepal. We really should.

 

[Hawkeye]

Diplomacy and building foreign relations.

Something we don't know.

 

[syedahsan]

Do not want to sound political but India's favor speaks volumes about deals with Afghanistan to de-estabilize pakistan. Honestly Pakistan should not play Bangladesh and Afghanistan for very similar reasons and also you dont want to spoil your cricketing skills by playing these miniscule teams anyways.

 

[Slim]

although logically it would have make more sense for India to appoint Nepal and Pakistan to appoint Afghanistan for practice games.

Indeed a great thing for Afghan cricket. But I must say I would be surprised if this got backing of all the votes from different region/zone cricketing bodies in India as playing against touring teams was a great way for them to showcase their talented players and make a case for their national selections.

I would not be surprised if this idea gets scrapped within next 2-3 years after different regions/zones start seeing its negative impact on their cricket.

You should realize that cricket is a political tool for the indian government as well. This move is definitely though appreciable but not from the kindness out of their heart. Its pure political manuevring to spite Pakistan. Logically, as one of the poster pointed out, Nepal should have been the supported team yet India supports a team that shares no border with it. However, sometimes you gotta take any good in whatever form is coming from the evil decetiful empire. Good for Afghans.

 

[cricketjoshila]

You should realize that cricket is a political tool for the indian government as well. This move is definitely though appreciable but not from the kindness out of their heart. Its pure political manuevring to spite Pakistan. Logically, as one of the poster pointed out, Nepal should have been the supported team yet India supports a team that shares no border with it. However, sometimes you gotta take any good in whatever form is coming from the evil decetiful empire. Good for Afghans.

What has border got to do here?

Afghan team practices in a Indian stadium since last few years.

Leave it to haters like you to find evil and politics in everything.

 

[Hawkeye]

What has border got to do here?

Afghan team practices in a Indian stadium since last few years.

Leave it to haters like you to find evil and politics in everything.

You're not a kid or angel.

It has everything to do with politics. Favoring AFG is in their political interest. Bringing Nepal there and allowing them to practice, play matches is NOT, as Nepal doesn't share a dispute with us.

 

[Rahul1]

You should realize that cricket is a political tool for the indian government as well. This move is definitely though appreciable but not from the kindness out of their heart. Its pure political manuevring to spite Pakistan. Logically, as one of the poster pointed out, Nepal should have been the supported team yet India supports a team that shares no border with it. However, sometimes you gotta take any good in whatever form is coming from the evil decetiful empire. Good for Afghans.

Everything is an Indian conspiracy according to you. Why are there 24 hours in a day instead of 28? Because of BCCICC.

 

[Yossarian]

Is it true to say that the interest in cricket in Afghanistan stems primarily from the Afghans born in Pakistan, when Pakistan hosted millions of Afghan refugees, who grew up playing/watching cricket in Pakistan, and who then brought this cricket passion to Afghanistan when they relocated to Afghanistan?

Or has there always been a strong interest in cricket in Afghanistan, including club cricket / cricket leagues?

 

[cricketjoshila]

You're not a kid or angel.

It has everything to do with politics. Favoring AFG is in their political interest. Bringing Nepal there and allowing them to practice, play matches is NOT, as Nepal doesn't share a dispute with us.

Where does Nepal come in? Why do we need to bring them? If Pakistan thinks they should be brought then Pakistan can do it.

Is it some kind of a problem some of you have that you think that India should do what you guys think or else its politics and evil.

 

[Mp812]

BCCI helping new teams grow and prosper...and then some complain BCCI does nothing to promote cricket.

 

[Rana]

Imagine PCB come back with saying teams touring Pakistan can play UAE for a practice match, that would be the ultimate trio!

 

[DeadBall]

Imagine PCB come back with saying teams touring Pakistan can play UAE for a practice match, that would be the ultimate trio!

Don't think UAE, Oman etc have Test status yet.

 

[Shutdown Corner]

Agreed. Hopefully Ireland can play every team who are touring England similar to this. They would give some teams competition for sure

Aussies already pulled out of touring Ireland next year before the Ashes. Granted the schedule would be tight with the WC. Some Aussie players will prolly end up spending 6 months in the UK!!!

 

[angrypathan]

People suggesting we take Nepal, UAE, Nepal etc. under our wing seem to be ignoring the fact that they don't have test status, and probably won't anytime in the near future. It really wouldn't be beneficial for the PCB.

 

[shane]

I don't get it. Is it not a bit condescending for Afghanistan to be treated like one of India's domestic teams. I mean, this might have been beneficial if Afghanistan was still a fledging international side, but it is now a Test nation. Surely they can arrange proper international fixtures instead of relying on India's bread crumbs?

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

Is it true to say that the interest in cricket in Afghanistan stems primarily from the Afghans born in Pakistan, when Pakistan hosted millions of Afghan refugees, who grew up playing/watching cricket in Pakistan, and who then brought this cricket passion to Afghanistan when they relocated to Afghanistan?

Or has there always been a strong interest in cricket in Afghanistan, including club cricket / cricket leagues?

Yes! They learnt their craft under the coaches who were at the NCA for more a decade and a half and only recently have they jumped ship to India. This can be clearly itereated from the simple fact that Shehzad (one of their main WK Batsman) permenetly lives in Peshawar with his family because that's where he grew up playing and learning cricket.

I have lived in Karachi all my life (Almost 20 years) and I personally know many Afghan cricketers who play very competitive club cricket and came to Pakistan as refugees when they were almost in their infancy.

The truth is the truth no matter how you sugar coat it and present it to the world, the only problem Pakistan has or lacked is branding and had anyone in PCB been smart enough, these good gestures would've been amplified to show how we are sincere with the game and welcoming to new comers but alas an opportunity went missing because during the mid 200s PCB and Pakistan were itself in severe internal crisis due to terrorism and therefore everything (including sports) took a back seat.

My family previously had a chauffeur (An Afghan refugee) for 8 years and during his free time he would go and partake in club matches all across 'Pakistan' heck he was actually the one who introduced me into hard ball cricket from tape ball that I used to play with my friends on a daily basis. These afghan refugees had gun teams as almost all of them are natural atheles and what we are seeing at the international stage is the filtered top Afghan players who have individually honed their skills in Pakistan for a long long period of time.

I know a lot of people will not appreciate me writing these facts here as it kills the popular narrative of how they made Afghanistan into a proper test nation but I just want to ask a simple question to all these people? Do you know Afghanis in person? Have you broken bread with these people? Have you shared a space with these folks? Because I personally have had a lot of first hand experience.

 

[KevinFern]

Where does Nepal come in? Why do we need to bring them? If Pakistan thinks they should be brought then Pakistan can do it.

Is it some kind of a problem some of you have that you think that India should do what you guys think or else its politics and evil.

BTW, If I remember correctly during the Anurag Thakur's Presidentship, Nepal was alloted the Dharmasala Stadium as their base to practice in the aftermath of Earthquake and prior to U19 WC. So its not like India has been helping out only Afghans. Infact I just recently saw tweets about BCCI collaborating with Bhutan Cricket Association for development of Cricket in Bhutan

 

[Kaptan]

Fans :- BCCI must do something for betterment of cricket.
When BCCI does.
Its a "kanspiracy" to isolate Pakistan.

 

[zn426]

Fans :- BCCI must do something for betterment of cricket.
When BCCI does.
Its a "kanspiracy" to isolate Pakistan.

Who trained up Afghanistan to the point of breaking into the Test playing nations? I"ll give you a hint, it doesn't have India on the jersey. Well done on having enough money to brainwash people with your "grand gestures".

 

[KyoOne]

Pakistan allowed many visiting teams to play practice games against UAE.

Not something new

 

[LastManstanding]

Teams touring to India won't complain about not having quality opposition for the practice matches. Afghanistan players will gain experience which will help them in their future test matches. Win win for everyone.

 

[MenInG]

Same model for Ireland-England should be followed.

 

[Gilly]

Pakistan allowed many visiting teams to play practice games against UAE.

Not something new

Do teams need Pakistans approval to play UAE.

 

[letme alone]

just practice game? that's good but not enough if not played proper cricket

 

[cricketjoshila]

Who trained up Afghanistan to the point of breaking into the Test playing nations? I"ll give you a hint, it doesn't have India on the jersey. Well done on having enough money to brainwash people with your "grand gestures".

Tell this to the Afghans and their cricket board.

 

[natkhat-shahzada]

KABUL: All international teams touring India will now play one practice game against Afghanistan, an arrangement which will constantly provide international exposure to the team from strife-torn nation.

The announcement was made by BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary during his visit here, per Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB).

Choudhary is in Afghanistan capital to discuss the bilateral cricketing relation between the two countries.

India will host Afghanistan in their historic first-ever Test match in Bengaluru from June 14-18.

Choudhary said it will be a vital addition as it will help increase the morale and also upgrade the skills of players.

ACB chairman Atif Mashal said: "Afghanistan is now a full member of ICC and we also enjoy cordial relations with BCCI which will be further strengthened as we strive to work together to further develop the game in the country."

Choudhary said: "It is an honour to be here in Kabul being invited by Mr. President (Mashal). It is a privilege for us to be playing Afghanistan in their historic first Test match as we did not want to let go of this opportunity.

"Cricket will further strengthen ties between the two countries and deliver a message of peace. Afghan players are well known and loved in India because of their participation in IPL which will increase in the coming years," BCCI acting secretary said.

Mashal, on his part, thanked BCCI for providing a second stadium for Afghanistan's home matches in Dehradun besides the one at Greater Noida. Afghanistan will "host" Bangladesh in a three-match T20 series at their adopted home in Dehradun.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com...nst-afghanistan-bcci/articleshow/64400659.cms

Top stuff from India. Hopefully, the teams playing in England will play Ireland regularly.

Pakistan should learn from this and arrange a practice game with Bangladesh with teams playing their away series against Pakistan.

 

[natkhat-shahzada]

Same model for Ireland-England should be followed.

And Bangladesh-Pakistan model can also be followed. Bangladesh can get some good (and much needed) practice this way.

 

[natkhat-shahzada]

Imagine PCB come back with saying teams touring Pakistan can play UAE for a practice match, that would be the ultimate trio!

Why UAE? Why not Bangladesh? They need more practice and deserve it better than UAE. Just because Pakistan play in UAE so UAE should get preference. Bangladesh has been playing test cricket for almost 20 years without achieving anything so they definitely deserve preference over UAE.

 

[Markhor]

Excellent, its something I was hoping would be introduced when Ireland and Afghanistan were given Test status.

Hope the same arrangement is made for visiting teams where they play Ireland before they tour England, and Zimbabwe before playing South Africa.

 

[cricketindiafan]

Hope ICC gives these matches the status of a formal Test match. Will be great for Afghanistan cricket. ICC could have similar arrangement with teams touring UAE for playing against Pakistan. A

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Fans :- BCCI must do something for betterment of cricket.
When BCCI does.
Its a "kanspiracy" to isolate Pakistan.

I would have thought this move confirms BCCI is trying to isolate Pakistan.

 

[cricketjoshila]

I would have thought this move confirms BCCI is trying to isolate Pakistan.

How exactly?

 

[Varun]

I don't get it. Is it not a bit condescending for Afghanistan to be treated like one of India's domestic teams. I mean, this might have been beneficial if Afghanistan was still a fledging international side, but it is now a Test nation. Surely they can arrange proper international fixtures instead of relying on India's bread crumbs?

They are a test team largely on paper, and are anyway still a minnow. Pretty sure they are delighted with the offerings so far.

If you want to look at an example of step-motherly treatment over the years, check out England - Ireland.

 

[cricketworm]

I wish BCCI force ICC to make this an official test, why not. This seems like a half good decision, make it the best decision.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

How exactly?

It is pretty obvious, Pakistan is the only cricket playing country in the subcontinent which India resolutely puts obstacles for playing. Don't pretend this is news to you.

 

[cricketjoshila]

It is pretty obvious, Pakistan is the only cricket playing country in the subcontinent which India resolutely puts obstacles for playing. Don't pretend this is news to you.

How is that related to Afghanistan?

 

[sshakir411]

Achi zabardasti hai

 

[jadaja]

It is pretty obvious, Pakistan is the only cricket playing country in the subcontinent which India resolutely puts obstacles for playing. Don't pretend this is news to you.

What obstacles has India put for Pakistan. Did it stop Pakistan from playing anybody or do anything to Pakistan.

All it has done is not play Pakistan in bilateral series.

Australia cancelled Bangladesh series as it was not viable for them.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

How is that related to Afghanistan?

If you read my post to which I replied it is clear enough, and you know it of course.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

What obstacles has India put for Pakistan. Did it stop Pakistan from playing anybody or do anything to Pakistan.

All it has done is not play Pakistan in bilateral series.

Australia cancelled Bangladesh series as it was not viable for them.

That is an obstacle, as is the IPL ban on Pakistan players. If all countries follow such policies it would be the end of the game.

 

[jadaja]

BCCI has always encouraged minnow nations, it toured Zimbabwe also to boost its revenue and yet I find people moaning about BCCI.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Achi zabardasti hai

Our country our rules. [MENTION=76058]cricketjoshila[/MENTION]

 

[jadaja]

That is an obstacle, as is the IPL ban on Pakistan players. If all countries follow such policies it would be the end of the game.

IPL ban was instituted due to constant threat of PCB revoking NOC for its players. BCCI could not stand to get blackmailed by PCB so it has just shut it.If you have problem it should be against PCB not BCCI in regards to IPL.

Bilateral series is not an obstacle, it is not BCCI's obligation to make sure PCB has enough revenue.PCB and its jealous/unprofessional attitude has not gone well with many boards also.

 

[Hamad_H]

I think this is an excellent idea and should be implemented by other teams. Ireland, Afghan, Kenya and Zimbabwe could be warm ups for teams touring Eng/Ind/SA tests. I think if touring teams could perhaps play a warm up T20/ODI against an associate without test status when on tour it would be beneficial for cricket.

 

[sshakir411]

Our country our rules. [MENTION=76058]cricketjoshila[/MENTION]

I’ve often heard from Indian posters here that why should XYZ country or XYZ cricket board benefit from India. So I’m a lil perplexed as to why India seems to be going out of its way to help Afghanistan. Is it just generosity towards a single nation or does BCCI expect to turn the Afghans in to their minions?

 

[cricketjoshila]

If you read my post to which I replied it is clear enough, and you know it of course.

That is an obstacle, as is the IPL ban on Pakistan players. If all countries follow such policies it would be the end of the game.

No other country is in a constant state of low level war with another.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Achi zabardasti hai

Kiske saath?

 

[zn426]

Tell this to the Afghans and their cricket board.

I will be happy to tell them they are corrupt, greedy, and happy to side with the board pushing cash into their pockets.

 

[cricketjoshila]

I’ve often heard from Indian posters here that why should XYZ country or XYZ cricket board benefit from India. So I’m a lil perplexed as to why India seems to be going out of its way to help Afghanistan. Is it just generosity towards a single nation or does BCCI expect to turn the Afghans in to their minions?

India allowed Nepal to use its facilities post the Earthquake.

Jagmohan Dalmiya was instrumental in getting BD test status.

If i am not wrong recently Bhutan has also been given some facilities.

Afghans cant host their games in their home country. Its expensive to hold games in UAE. So Bcci gave them a stadium to practice in Noida. Will host their games with BD in Dharamshala and now will give them the chance to regularly play top teams in FC matches.

 

[cricketjoshila]

I will be happy to tell them they are corrupt, greedy, and happy to side with the board pushing cash into their pockets.

The Afghan people dont seem to be having any issues. If thats the thing why should the Afghan board care what non Afghans think.

 

[jadaja]

I’ve often heard from Indian posters here that why should XYZ country or XYZ cricket board benefit from India. So I’m a lil perplexed as to why India seems to be going out of its way to help Afghanistan. Is it just generosity towards a single nation or does BCCI expect to turn the Afghans in to their minions?

Does it matter why they are helping as long as they are helping.

BCCI has always helped minnow countries.

In order to get help from other you need to be amicable with them, noone wants to help obstinate and self centred organization who think they are better than what they really are.

 

[sshakir411]

India allowed Nepal to use its facilities post the Earthquake.

Jagmohan Dalmiya was instrumental in getting BD test status.

If i am not wrong recently Bhutan has also been given some facilities.

Afghans cant host their games in their home country. Its expensive to hold games in UAE. So Bcci gave them a stadium to practice in Noida. Will host their games with BD in Dharamshala and now will give them the chance to regularly play top teams in FC matches.

Got it. So it is generosity towards a singe nation. If not then would the same be offered to other countries who can’t host games in their home country and find UAE expensive?

 

[cricketjoshila]

Got it. So it is generosity towards a singe nation. If not then would the same be offered to other countries who can’t host games in their home country and find UAE expensive?

You need to read the post again. Such facilities have already been offered to Nepal and Bhutan.

 

[sadida97]

You need to read the post again. Such facilities have already been offered to Nepal and Bhutan.

dont you think india kush zaha hi shoh mar raha he

 

[sshakir411]

You need to read the post again. Such facilities have already been offered to Nepal and Bhutan.

Wasn’t aware Nepal and Bhutan were offered home grounds and that all touring teams ave to play them. My bad.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Wasn’t aware Nepal and Bhutan were offered home grounds and that all touring teams ave to play them. My bad.

They are not test playing countries.YET.

Nepal was offered home grounds post the earth quake.

Bhutan has been offered facilities to train.

Why are you so bothered with facilities India is providing to Afghans?

 

[cricketjoshila]

dont you think india kush zaha hi shoh mar raha he

Kisi ki madad karna show marna hai?

 

[sshakir411]

They are not test playing countries.YET.

Nepal was offered home grounds post the earth quake.

Bhutan has been offered facilities to train.

Why are you so bothered with facilities India is providing to Afghans?

As mentioned previously...haven’t seen Imdia go out of their way in offering facilities before.

 

[Max Mojito]

BCCI has always helped smaller countries in South Asia, whether that is Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka.

As Bhutan has a very difficult terrain to make good cricketing grounds and train their players, the BCCI has agreed to give them technical support for the betterment of cricket in all 20 districts of Bhutan, Chaudhary told ANI.

https://www.aninews.in/news/sports/...oard-in-every-way-possible201804061330130003/

"BCCI stands with Nepal cricket in this hour of crisis," BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur told ESPNcricinfo after the NCA Board meeting. "We have offered our NCA facilities to Nepal cricket for coaching and training of their cricketers preparing for world events. Nepal has done well in cricket recently and we would like to support our neighbouring nations trying who are trying to emerge as cricket-playing nations."

http://www.espncricinfo.com/nepal/content/story/868667.html

 

[cricketjoshila]

As mentioned previously...haven’t seen Imdia go out of their way in offering facilities before.

Because till Mid 90s BCCI didnt have extra monies to develop infrastructure. Since then they have made 100s of millions and put that into developing cricketing infrastructure in the country which are now being offered to countries which need them.

 

[sshakir411]

Because till Mid 90s BCCI didnt have extra monies to develop infrastructure. Since then they have made 100s of millions and put that into developing cricketing infrastructure in the country which are now being offered to countries which need them.

Very generous. But don’t you and other Indians often say no country should benefit from India and its market?

 

[cricketjoshila]

Very generous. But don’t you and other Indians often say no country should benefit from India and its market?

They are not benefitting from our market.Only using our facilities.

Btw where was this said that "NO" country.

 

[Yossarian]

I wish BCCI force ICC to make this an official test, why not. This seems like a half good decision, make it the best decision.

I'm betting if touring teams are having to play a fully fledged Test against Afghanistan (as opposed to a warm-up game) in India when touring India, it won't be long before all sorts of issues start cropping up,
eg:
* Who gets the stadium / broadcast rights / sponsorship revenues,
* Instead of using the match as a warm up, the touring teams having to cope with an extra Test match and one less warm-up game, or an even longer tour, with all that it entails in terms of preparation and focus.

 

[cricketworm]

I'm betting if touring teams are having to play a fully fledged Test against Afghanistan (as opposed to a warm-up game) in India when touring India, it won't be long before all sorts of issues start cropping up,
eg:
* Who gets the stadium / broadcast rights / sponsorship revenues,
* Instead of using the match as a warm up, the touring teams having to cope with an extra Test match and one less warm-up game, or an even longer tour, with all that it entails in terms of preparation and focus.

You are right. But exceptions can be made and if every board is willing to spread cricket and make Afghanistan cricket stronger, this is good opportunity for ICC.

 

[Yossarian]

You are right. But exceptions can be made and if every board is willing to spread cricket and make Afghanistan cricket stronger, this is good opportunity for ICC.

You honestly believe that? The cricket boards are being run as business entities, with each one looking after it's own interests. Each and every one will only help another cricket board if they think it's in their financial (or political if the govt is involved in the background) interest to do so. That financial/ political interest may not pay dividends straight away, it may be a long term strategic plan. But don't be fooled into thinking it's for the greater good or for the good of the game.

 

[Itachi]

I'm betting if touring teams are having to play a fully fledged Test against Afghanistan (as opposed to a warm-up game) in India when touring India, it won't be long before all sorts of issues start cropping up,
eg:
* Who gets the stadium / broadcast rights / sponsorship revenues,
* Instead of using the match as a warm up, the touring teams having to cope with an extra Test match and one less warm-up game, or an even longer tour, with all that it entails in terms of preparation and focus.

This is true. It must be a practice game in order to avoid other legal obligations.

 

[cricketjoshila]

I'm betting if touring teams are having to play a fully fledged Test against Afghanistan (as opposed to a warm-up game) in India when touring India, it won't be long before all sorts of issues start cropping up,
eg:
* Who gets the stadium / broadcast rights / sponsorship revenues,
* Instead of using the match as a warm up, the touring teams having to cope with an extra Test match and one less warm-up game, or an even longer tour, with all that it entails in terms of preparation and focus.

1. India is already hosting a T20 series between Afghans and BD. So point 1 has already been worked out.

2. Teams have to tour and play Afghanistan so they can do that with touring India.

Most teams play 3 tests in India so playing 4 should not be a issue as many 4 match test series take place. Aus and Eng play 4 or 5 match series but their tours are therefore divided into Test only tour 1 year and LOI tour next year.

So its not as tough as you made it look. It can happen but for starters it will be a practice FC match only.

 

[cricketworm]

You honestly believe that? The cricket boards are being run as business entities, with each one looking after it's own interests. Each and every one will only help another cricket board if they think it's in their financial (or political if the govt is involved in the background) interest to do so. That financial/ political interest may not pay dividends straight away, it may be a long term strategic plan. But don't be fooled into thinking it's for the greater good or for the good of the game.

Who cares if this move by BCCI is politically enforced. And who cares if board is looking after it's business entities first. Bottom line is that Afghan players are getting exposure that they seek. It's better than playing other 'not that strong' associate team. BCCI has helped SL and Bangla a lot, be it political or business move, both countries cricket needed marketing. And who is bigger market than India. Pakistan and Afghanistan are already close politically and for cricket, if India gets close to Afghanistan, it's better for War torn country.