Sport
Afghanistan hopeful of hosting an ICC tournament soon: Gulbadin Naib
Afghanistan’s senior all-rounder Gulbadin Naib has expressed optimism about the future of cricket in the country, revealing that Afghanistan is hopeful of hosting an ICC tournament in the near future.
In an interview with CricTracker, Naib highlighted the positive developments in Afghan cricket and the growing interest from international teams to tour the country.
“We recently concluded the SCL (Shpageeza Cricket League) 2025 season. We are hopeful of hosting the ICC tournament soon, thanks to the efforts being put in by our cricket board and management,” Naib stated.
With the return of competitive domestic cricket and improving infrastructure, Naib said that the environment is becoming increasingly suitable for international events. “A lot of countries are also willing to tour Afghanistan for international games. So, we’re hopeful of an ICC tournament as well in the country.”
Naib also spoke about the role of international leagues—like the IPL and ILT20—in shaping Afghanistan’s talent and raising the profile of Afghan cricket globally. He credited the IPL for its impact, saying, “our cricket is progressing well globally, and I feel that the stage we are at is largely due to the significant impact of the IPL on Afghanistan cricket.”
Afghanistan has made impressive strides in international cricket over the past decade, with strong performances in both the ODI and T20 World Cups, including memorable matches against top teams like Australia, India, and Pakistan. Naib believes this upward trajectory, coupled with growing experience and international exposure, could soon lead to the country becoming a host for global events.
Afghanistan’s national buzkashi team was eliminated from the Kokpar World Championship after losing 4–2 to Uzbekistan in the semifinals on Friday.
The defeat prevented the Afghan team from reaching the final, ending their hopes for the tournament title.
Earlier in the tournament, Afghanistan had secured victories over Hungary, Mongolia, and Russia, showcasing strong performances in the opening rounds.
The international Kokpar competition was hosted in the city of Turkistan, Kazakhstan, bringing together top teams from around the world.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the Israel Football Association (IFA) for multiple breaches of its obligations as a FIFA member, following allegations of discrimination raised by the Palestinian Football Association (PFA).
The decision comes after the PFA submitted a proposal at FIFA’s 74th Congress, prompting the FIFA Council to mandate a formal investigation. The Committee found that the IFA violated Articles 13 and 15 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, covering offensive behaviour, breaches of fair play, and racist abuse.
As part of the sanctions, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000, issued a formal warning, and ordered to implement a comprehensive prevention plan. The plan includes displaying a highly visible banner reading “Football Unites the World – No to Discrimination” at its next three home matches in A-level FIFA competitions. FIFA must approve the banner’s layout and placement before each game.
Additionally, one-third of the fine must be invested in anti-discrimination initiatives within 60 days, including reforms, protocols, monitoring, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official channels for a full season. The remainder of the fine must be paid within 30 days.
FIFA emphasized that football carries a responsibility to promote dignity, equality, and mutual respect, particularly during periods of conflict and division.
The IFA has been formally notified, and the decision has been published on FIFA’s legal portal. The ruling remains subject to appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
Afghanistan national buzkashi team secured a 14–0 victory over Hungary in its opening match of the 2026 International Kokpar Tournament in Kazakhstan.
The city of Turkestan in Kazakhstan is hosting the international Kokpar competition.
The tournament began on March 15 and will continue until March 21, 2026.
Teams from Afghanistan, China, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Turkey are participating in the competition.
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