"I Haven't Received Any Request So Far" - ACB CEO Hamid Shinwari On Players Wanting To Evacuate Families

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) CEO Hamid Shinwari has quashed all the rumors claiming that the Afghan cricketers have been trying to evacuate their families from the country following the Taliban’s forceful takeover.

Shinwari had earlier stated that the Taliban has always been supportive of sportive events, especially cricket. Therefore, he had assured the fans and citizens that the Taliban would stay away from cricketing matters. Recently, speculations were rife about certain Afghan players wanting to get their close ones out of the country.

“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,” Shinwari claimed on Sports Tak.

“We are good to go for the T20 World Cup” – Hamid Shinwari

Since the takeover, there have been problems aplenty but Shinwari believes cricketing events will continue to function as before. He confirmed that the Afghanistan team will be sent to UAE for the upcoming 2021 T20 World Cup.

“We are good to go for the T20 World Cup. With BCCI and other boards, we have a really good relationship. ICC is also in touch with us. They are keeping a close track. As of now, there is no problem with cricket.”

“Cricket was not an issue during the Taliban regime before and it will not be an issue now. I don’t remember any incident caused by the Taliban over cricket,” he pointed out.

The series between Pakistan and Afghanistan will begin on September 3 in Hambantota, Sri Lanka.

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