Afghanistan's inaugural Test scheduled against India

Afghanistanwill play their inaugural Test against India, it was confirmed after the Board of Control for Cricket in India Special Governing Body meeting on Monday (December 11). The match and the venue in India will be announced soon in a joint press conference by BCCI and Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB).

"Afghans were scheduled to play their first Test in 2019 versus Australia but considering the historic relationship between India and Afghanistan, we decided to host their first Test," said BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary.

"Afghanistan have proved their mettle in the short format of the game and now they have an opportunity to prove themselves in the longer format. The BCCI has a deep bond with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and I am thrilled at the development and congratulate everyone," Choudhary stated in a media release.

ACB chairman Atif Mashal and CEO Shafiqullah Stanikzai had met BCCI CEO Rahul Johri in Mumbai and requested to play against India. "The ACB requested us to play their first Test match. The BCCI has agreed," Johri said. "We have been working closely with the officials of Afghanistan Cricket Board and look forward to seeing history being made. We are aware that fans from both the nations are eagerly waiting for the historic clash. The BCCI will work with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and announce the details shortly."

Vinod Rai, Chairman of the Committee of Administrators, said: "The game of cricket can be further enriched when more and more countries take part. I am delighted that the BCCI has agreed to extend a helping hand to Afghanistan and will formally welcome them into the Test arena by playing their first-ever Test. I congratulate both the Boards and wish Afghanistan the best as they now prepare for the longer format of the game."

Afghanistan and Ireland were awarded Test status in June this year. Ireland will host Pakistan in their inaugural Test in May next year. India will also play two matches in Ireland ahead of their tour to England. The matches will be played after Ireland host Pakistan. India are scheduled to play three T20Is, three ODIs and five Tests in England.