Sport

Afghanistan deepens ties with Uzbekistan through new cricket development partnership

Officials from both boards say the collaboration will strengthen cricketing relations and deepen regional sporting ties.

Published

5 months ago

December 1, 2025

Ariana News

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and the Cricket Federation of Uzbekistan (CFU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding cooperation and accelerating cricket development between the two countries.

The signing ceremony brought together senior officials from both boards, including ACB CEO Naseeb Khan, ACB Board Member Dr. Khalid Hatam, CFU Chairman Aziz Mihliev, and CFU CEO Fazliddin Ibodullaev.

Under the new agreement, the ACB will offer extensive development support to Uzbekistan across multiple areas.

This includes coaching education, umpiring and officiating training, strength and conditioning and physiotherapy programs, video analysis, talent identification, technical courses, and development camps led by top Afghan coaches.

Afghan officials will also help guide Uzbek coaches through ICC tutor pathways, while Uzbek players will have opportunities to train at the ACB High-Performance Center in Kabul.

The partnership also includes bilateral fixtures in Uzbekistan featuring Afghanistan’s A team, Domestic Champion team, and U19 side—games designed to provide crucial competitive exposure for Uzbek players and boost the CFU’s on-field development.

Officials from both boards say the collaboration will strengthen cricketing relations and deepen regional sporting ties.

Strengthening regional cricket

The ACB reaffirmed its commitment to supporting emerging cricket nations and expressed readiness to extend similar assistance to other developing cricket boards.

Afghan officials emphasized the value of sharing their management experience and lessons learned from the country’s rapid rise in international cricket.

ACB CEO Naseeb Khan said, “We welcome this partnership with the CFU. ACB is committed to supporting emerging cricket nations with the same dedication that accelerated our own growth, and we look forward to sharing our technical expertise and experience.”

ACB Board Member Dr. Khalid Hatam added, “This MoU strengthens our regional cricket ties while creating new pathways in coaching, player development, and technical growth. We are pleased to share our journey and support the CFU’s aspirations.”

CFU Chairman Aziz Mihliev said the partnership would provide Uzbekistan with invaluable guidance: “ACB’s experience—from building competitive structures to nurturing elite talent—will play a key role as we enhance our cricketing foundation.”

CFU CEO Fazliddin Ibodullaev highlighted Afghanistan’s accelerated rise as a model for Uzbekistan’s ambitions. “ACB’s rapid path toward Full Membership is a powerful example for emerging nations. This partnership gives us a unique chance to learn from their proven development model. With shared expertise and regional collaboration, CFU is confident in pursuing a similarly ambitious trajectory,” he said.

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Ariana Snooker Championship Season 2 set to kick off next week

Published

1 day ago

May 7, 2026

Ariana News

The second season of the Ariana Snooker Championship is set to officially commence on Monday next week, bringing together top cueists from across Afghanistan.

The tournament will feature 32 players representing all provinces where snooker is actively developed and played. All participants secured their places through earlier qualification rounds held prior to the main event.

The championship will be contested in the six-red ball snooker format. The group stage, knockout rounds, and quarterfinals will be played in a best-of-seven frames format, with players required to win four frames to advance to the next stage.

The semifinals and final will follow a best-of-nine frames format, ensuring a more competitive conclusion as players compete for the season title.

Under a signed agreement, the Ariana Snooker Championship will continue for four additional seasons, with all matches broadcast on Ariana Television, further supporting the growth and visibility of snooker in Afghanistan.

Fans are encouraged to follow Ariana Television and Ariana News’ social media pages for all updates and broadcast schedules on this exciting event.

Sport

Rashid Khan retains No. 1 spot in ICC ODI and T20I bowling rankings

Published

1 day ago

May 7, 2026

Ariana News

Afghanistan star spinner Rashid Khan has maintained his position as the world’s top-ranked bowler in both One Day International (ODI) and T20 International cricket, according to the latest ICC rankings.

Rashid continues to lead the ODI bowling rankings with 705 rating points, while also holding the No. 1 position in T20I bowling with 753 rating points.

The Afghan leg-spinner has remained one of the most consistent performers in international cricket, playing a key role for Afghanistan across formats with his wicket-taking ability and economical bowling.

In the latest ODI rankings, England fast bowler Jofra Archer and South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj follow Rashid in second and third places respectively.

In T20Is, India spinner Varun Chakravarthy and Pakistan bowler Abrar Ahmed are among the closest challengers to the Afghan star.

Rashid’s continued dominance in ICC rankings comes as Afghanistan’s cricket team prepares for upcoming international assignments and major global tournaments.

Sport

All eyes on Jeddah as AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 kicks off

Adding to the tournament’s reach, Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) has confirmed it will broadcast matches live and exclusively on Ariana News for the duration of the tournament, which runs through until May 22.

Published

4 days ago

May 4, 2026

Ariana News

The Asian football spotlight shifts to Jeddah this week as the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 kicks off on Tuesday May 5, with 16 of the continent’s top youth teams competing for regional glory and qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.

All matches will be staged at King Abdullah Sports City, where a centralized tournament model will see four stadiums within a single complex host every fixture — a format designed to streamline operations and enhance the experience for players and fans alike, alongside dedicated fan zones and entertainment activities.

The tournament features a blend of traditional powerhouses and emerging sides. Hosts Saudi Arabia headline Group A alongside Tajikistan, Thailand and Myanmar, while Group B includes former champions Japan, Indonesia, China and Qatar. In Group C, South Korea face Yemen, Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates, while defending champions Uzbekistan lead Group D with Australia, India and North Korea.

Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage, with all eight quarter-finalists automatically qualifying for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Opening day fixtures will see Saudi Arabia take on Myanmar as the hosts aim to build on last year’s runner-up finish, while Tajikistan face Thailand in the other Group A clash. In Group B, four-time champions Japan meet Qatar, with Indonesia set to play China.

Beyond the competition, the tournament is a key test event for Saudi Arabia ahead of the AFC Asian Cup 2027, offering an opportunity to refine tournament delivery, coordination and infrastructure at scale.

With scouts, fans and broadcasters closely watching, the competition is expected to showcase some of Asia’s brightest young talents — many of whom will be aiming to take their first step onto the global stage.

Fans across Afghanistan are meanwhile encouraged to follow Ariana News and Ariana Television’s social media pages for updated information and broadcast schedules on this tournament.