There has been no request from any player to evacuate families since Taliban took over: ACB CEO Hamid Shinwari

Last couple of weeks have been tough for Afghanistan. Soon after US troops were withdrawn, Taliban took over the country reaching its capital Kabul last after capturing around 34 provinces before that. Some videos of residents trying to flee away from the country and also falling off from the plane after it took off have gone viral and shocked the world.

At the same time, there were clouds over cricket in Afghanistan as well with their immediate ODI series against Pakistan in Sri Lanka coming in doubt. However, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) CEO Hamid Shinwari was quick to come out and confirm that the first ever bilateral series between the two countries will go ahead. He also assured the fans that Afghanistan will play the upcoming T20 World Cup as well.

Amidst all the turmoil and people trying to run away from the country, Hamid confirmed that as of now none of the cricketers has requested him to evacuate their families from Afghanistan. Shinwari also cleared that the reports of Taliban fighters entering ACB headquarters with former cricketer Abdullah Mazari has been baseless.

“It is a baseless rumour. No one has come with such an intent. I’ve been managing the cricket board since the Taliban has taken over and they’ve been so supportive so far. I haven’t received any request so far and the players are committed to play the game and fortunately since last two days, they started their camp to get ready for the upcoming series with Pakistan.

We and the players are committed to playing this series with Pakistan which is vital for the Afghans across the globe,” he said while speaking to Sports Tak.

Pakistan-Afghanistan series to start from September 3

The three-match ODI series between Afghanistan and Pakistan is set to begin on September 3 in Sri Lanka. The series is a part of the ICC World Cup Super League and both the teams will be looking to gain the vital 30 points in a bid to boost their campaign to make it to the 50-over World Cup to be played in India in 2023.