Lalchand Rajput commends BCCI for organising a Test match against Afghanistan

It was way back in March, when the two new and upcoming sides in world cricket, Ireland and Afghanistan were handed Test status. While the former is all set to open a new chapter in history, this time in whites, against Pakistan, the latter will start their innings in the longest format of the game against India.

On Monday (December 11), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced in New Delhi that the Men in Blue will face the budding blue shirts in a Test match in 2019-20. Former head coach of Afghanistan, Lalchand Rajput has praised the hand of friendship that BCCI has extended out for their Afghan counterparts.

“It is good that they are playing their first Test against India. It will help them in all aspects, including the cricketing one and the monetary aspect. India has always been supportive to Afghanistan (in matters related to cricket),” said Rajput, while speaking to PTI.

The 55-year-old from Mumbai is not associated with the Afghan team anymore. He decided not to continue his work with the Rashid Khans and Asghar Stanikzais, citing “security concerns”. The owner of 20 first-class tons, Rajput is now coaching the Assamese side. After his departure, Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) handed over the baton to Dean Jones.

Inexperienced, yet vastly experienced

Though the Afghan side hasn’t had any taste of playing in whites as yet, some of the players have the experience which is needed to do well in Tests. Spin sensation Rashid Khan, and all-rounder Mohammed Nabi have displayed their adroitness is the different T20 leagues all round the world. Playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL), they are well acclimatized with the conditions here in India. Yet, it will be a big challenge, and more than a challenge, a big opportunity for them.