Afghanistan to play first Test against India

Afghanistan, a team that has made rapid strides in international cricket despite the constant troubles back home, will play its first ever Test against India in 2019-2020, the final schedule for which will be worked out later.

On the contrary, Pakistan, which has been demanding bilateral cricket with India, was ignored at the Special General Meeting which resolved to play more against the likes of Australia, South Africa and England. India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket since 2012 due to political tensions  between the two neighbours. 

When asked why the new FTP does not say anything about playing Pakistan, BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary replied, “It’s a question not embedded only to cricket and the BCCI but everybody. So, it’s futile attempting to answer the question.” 

Afghanistan earned the Test status, alongside Ireland this June, realising their five-day cricket dream after impressive performances in ODIs and T20 Internationals. “Afghanistan was scheduled to play its first Test in 2019 versus Australia but considering the historic relationship between India and Afghanistan, we decided to host its first Test,” said BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary after the Special General Meeting.