Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is contemplating the idea of moving their adopted home venue to Oman for their future international fixtures. After being approved as a Test venue on January 11, the Oman Cricket Academy Ground 1 might well become Afghanistan’s adopted home ground ahead of the planned series against Zimbabwe in February.
Whether or not Zimbabwe can travel to Oman for the proposed series remains to be seen as there has been a considerable spike in COVID-19 cases in Zimbabwe, especially after stricter rules were imposed by the government in Harare. However, despite this particular dilemma, the ACB is looking to shift the home venue to Oman.
As per reports in Cricbuzz, it is learnt that due to certain visa issues, the series against Ireland is in jeopardy. This is the reason which is actually playing a part in ACB’s decision-making for the future. It is also believed that the financial aspects will be much lesser for Afghanistan if they shift their home venue to Oman from UAE.
"The gate is open for Afghanistan (to make Oman as their home venue)," Raees Ahmadzai, Afghanistan's director of cricket, was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. "We love to play there because the Oman Cricket Board has done a great job during COVID-19 time. So Oman is another option for us in future to play all types of cricket. We have got good options thanks to the Indian board (BCCI) and UAE, and now Oman," he further added.
Afghanistan were based in Sharjah before changing two venues in India. While their adopted home ground in 2019 was in Dehradun, it was shifted to the Stadium in Lucknow for all three formats of the game. Meanwhile, it must be noted that Al-Amerat complex outside Muscat has been the host to many international matches earlier. It is also being considered as one of the best facilities among associate nations and is all set to become the 2nd nation in the Gulf Region after UAE to host a Test match.
Powered by Froala Editor
Powered by Froala Editor