The two-day meeting of foreign ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) began in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Sunday, without the participation of a delegation from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

Representatives from the organization’s 10 member states are discussing ways to expand economic cooperation, boost regional trade and strengthen connectivity. Pakistan, which currently holds the organization’s rotating chairmanship, has identified stronger trade and transit relations among member states as a key priority.

Afghanistan’s absence comes despite its ECO membership and its strategic geographical position as a major transit corridor linking Central Asia with South Asia and the Middle East.

Central Asian countries can use Afghanistan’s territory to access Pakistani and Iranian ports, as well as wider regional markets, making the country an important part of regional trade and connectivity initiatives.

Economic analysts say political differences should not prevent member states from pursuing economic cooperation. They warn that excluding or sidelining Afghanistan from such regional meetings could undermine ECO’s economic and transit objectives.

ECO was established in 1985 by Iran, Türkiye and Pakistan. In 1992, the organization expanded with the admission of Afghanistan and six other countries, bringing its membership to 10 states.

The combined gross domestic product of ECO member countries is estimated at around $3 trillion.

Experts say that without Afghanistan’s active participation, regional connectivity projects may struggle to achieve their full economic and transit potential.

The DP World International League T20 (ILT20) has introduced new playing conditions for its fifth season, with a significant emphasis on giving UAE and Afghan cricketers a guaranteed role in every team’s starting line-up.

Under the revised regulations, all six franchises must include at least two players from the UAE and two from Afghanistan in their Playing XI, alongside a minimum of one player from an ICC Associate Member nation.

The changes represent an important opportunity for Afghanistan’s cricketers, ensuring that at least two Afghan players feature in every team’s starting eleven throughout the tournament.

The requirement must also be maintained during matches when substitutions or Super Subs are introduced. If a UAE, Afghan or Associate player leaves the field, a replacement from the same group must be used when a team has selected only the minimum required number.

The new rules are part of a wider effort by the ILT20 to strengthen the participation of regional and Associate cricket nations, while providing greater opportunities for emerging talent alongside established international stars.

The league has also revised its concussion replacement regulations. Teams will no longer need to submit a list of potential concussion replacements before a match. However, any replacement must be medically approved, like-for-like and cleared by the match referee. The minimum player representation requirements must also be maintained.

Other changes include the introduction of a new ‘batter zone’ to determine Wide deliveries on both the off and leg sides, while the existing 60-second stop clock will now apply to the batting team as well as the fielding side.

The batting team will receive two warnings for failing to be ready within the allotted time between overs. From the third offence onwards, the opposition will be awarded five penalty runs.

Season 5 will run from November 21 to December 20, 2026, featuring six franchises and some of the biggest names in international cricket.

Among the Afghan stars expected to feature are Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi for MI Emirates, and Mohammad Nabi for Sharjah Warriorz, alongside a wider pool of Afghan players across the franchises.

The tournament opens on November 21 with Desert Vipers taking on MI Emirates in Dubai.

For Afghanistan, the guaranteed minimum of two players in every team’s starting XI is particularly significant, offering its cricketers increased exposure, valuable competitive experience and a prominent role in one of the region’s leading T20 competitions.

The season will be broadcast live and exclusively across Afghanistan on Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN). Fans can also follow ATN’s social media platforms for the latest updates, match schedules and further information throughout the competition.

Turkish police have detained 35 Afghan migrants attempting to cross into Greece by sea in the northwestern province of Balikesir, while four suspects accused of migrant smuggling were also apprehended.

Police seized 12 life jackets, lifebuoys and three pumps during the operation.

Following police procedures, three of the four suspects were remanded in custody by a court, while the fourth was released under judicial supervision.

The 35 Afghan migrants were transferred to an Irregular Migrant Pre-Reception and Referral Center.