Sport
Afghanistan cricket faces cash crisis due to sanctions
As the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) deals with a cash crisis, the board’s CEO has said it is imperative to resolve their banking issues.
Since the takeover by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) the ACB has been plunged into a crisis as ICC funds are not able to reach them due to sanctions.
According to ACB’s CEO Naseeb Khan, he did however have a productive meeting this week with ICC CEO Jeof Allardice about potential solutions for the banking issues.
“It’s essential to resolve the banking issues for ACB as a sporting org. We also thank the ICC for their regular cooperation,” he tweeted on Thursday.
He also stated that the ACB wants to “assure all the fans to keep faith in their national heroes.
“AfghanAtalan are well prepared for the (World Cup) event and will leave no stone unturned to bring glories to this beloved nation.”
Since the IEA’s return to power in August last year, international sanctions have made it increasingly difficult to send money into the country.
According to ESPNcricinfo, while the ACB has completed pending payments to players at all levels as well as the coaching staff, it will be able to pay only 30% of the salaries to employees and other staff working in Afghanistan.
ACB officials based in Dubai have been talking to the ICC on the matter, and it is understood that attempts are being made to find alternative routes – including via registered NGOs – to get the money into Afghanistan, but no solution has been found yet, ESPN reported.
It is understood that the ICC has told ACB that money cannot be moved into Afghanistan without an approved regulatory mechanism in place.
Afghanistan became Full Members of the ICC in 2017, which entitled them to enhanced distribution of funds from the ICC revenues, like other Full Members.
The ACB last received a payment of $2.5 million from the ICC in July last year. ICC payments are made to Full Members twice a year – in January and in July.
Japan, Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan have secured qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 after strong performances at the AFC U-17 Asian Cup.
The three Asian sides join hosts Qatar as confirmed representatives from the Asian Football Confederation for the expanded 48-team tournament later this year.
Japan booked their place after defeating Qatar and then beating China 2-1 in Group B. Anthony Motosuna and Maki Kitahara scored the goals that sealed a second straight victory and guaranteed qualification.
Saudi Arabia also advanced from Group A after a 2-0 win over Thailand. Marwan Al Yami opened the scoring early before Hassan Al Okrush added a late second goal, giving the Saudis six points from two matches following their opening win against Myanmar.
Tajikistan joined them after edging Myanmar 1-0 thanks to a first-half goal from Asadbek Makhtumov. The victory followed Tajikistan’s opening 2-0 win over Thailand and secured their place in Qatar 2026.
More teams could qualify on Sunday as the second round of matches in Groups C and D continues, with the final group-stage fixtures set to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday.
A delegation from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has traveled to China following an official invitation from the Chinese government, in a move aimed at strengthening sports diplomacy and expanding technical cooperation in cricket between the two countries.
The delegation includes national coach Nawroz Mangal and players Qais Ahmad, Zahir Khan, Faisal Shinozada, and Wahidullah Zadran.
Before their departure, ACB Chief Executive Officer Naseeb Khan met with the delegation, reaffirming the board’s commitment to developing and globalizing Afghan cricket. He also referenced previous international engagement efforts, including a memorandum of understanding signed with the Uzbekistan Cricket Federation focused on cricket development and technical collaboration.
Naseeb Khan highlighted existing economic and industrial ties between Afghanistan and China, expressing optimism that sports cooperation—particularly in cricket—could further strengthen bilateral relations. He emphasized that knowledge-sharing, technical exchange, and joint development initiatives would support the growth of the sport in both countries.
During their visit, the Afghan delegation is expected to hold discussions on cricket development, community engagement, and the role of sport in society. The program also includes participation in workshops, attendance at a cricket match organized by Chinese cricket authorities, and visits to sports technology and innovation exhibitions.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has increasingly pursued regional partnerships in recent years. Last year, it signed a cooperation agreement with the Uzbekistan Cricket Federation covering technical exchange, capacity building, development programs, and educational workshops aimed at expanding cricket infrastructure and expertise in the region.
The United States is set to welcome the world with a major opening ceremony for the FIFA World Cup 2026, as Los Angeles prepares to host a star-powered celebration marking the start of the tournament across North America.
FIFA announced that global music stars including Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla will headline the ceremony at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday, June 12.
The event will officially launch what FIFA described as a “historic summer of football” across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Organizers said the ceremony will combine football, music and entertainment in a large-scale production designed to reflect the cultural diversity and global appeal of the tournament.
Gianni Infantino said the ceremony in Los Angeles would showcase the scale and ambition of the 2026 World Cup, adding that the lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the power of music to unite people.
For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, three opening ceremonies will take place across the three host nations. Mexico City will host the first ceremony on June 11, followed by celebrations in Toronto and Los Angeles on June 12.
The opening match in the United States will see the U.S. national team face Paraguay. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature a record 104 matches across 16 host cities, beginning on June 11 in Mexico City and ending with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Football fans in Afghanistan will be able to follow all the action live on the Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN), which holds the exclusive broadcasting rights for the tournament in the country. ATN will broadcast matches live on Ariana Television, providing full coverage of the world’s biggest football event for Afghan viewers.
Fans are also encouraged to stay connected with Ariana Television and Ariana News on social media for the latest updates, including match schedules, team news, and other FIFA World Cup 2026 developments as the tournament draws closer.
Afghanistan, Uzbekistan sign 13 trade MoUs worth over $100 million
Israel built and defended a secret base in Iraq for Iran war, WSJ reports
Japan, Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026
IPL 2026: RR slip to fifth as Shane Bond calls for bowling changes
Meta turns off Instagram’s private messaging encryption worldwide
Bayat Power extends gas supply deal with Afghan Gas
Etihad Airways to expand Kabul–Abu Dhabi flights to daily service amid surging demand
Afghanistan’s new cricket head coach Richard Pybus arrives in Kabul
Afghanistan moves toward self-sufficiency in car battery production
Germany to launch online visa system for Afghan study and work applicants in Pakistan
Tahawol: Discussion on unknown fate of Middle East crisis
Saar: Problems and challenges of Afghan refugees in the world discussed
Tawsia: Discussion on Afghanistan’s economic path and position
Tahawol: Pressure on Afghan refugees from Tajikistan to Europe discussed
Saar: Ongoing criticism of Pakistan’s Afghanistan policy discussed
-
Business2 days agoNew Afghanistan-China transport corridor launched via Turkmenistan
-
Business4 days agoUzbekistan launches new cargo corridor linking China and Afghanistan
-
Business4 days agoAfghanistan presses Chinese contractor over delays in Mes Aynak copper project
-
Sport1 day agoCanada to host opening ceremony for FIFA World Cup 2026 in Toronto
-
Regional3 days agoUS and Iran closing in on one-page memo to end war, Axios reports
-
International Sports4 days agoAhmedabad to host IPL 2026 final; BCCI announces playoff schedule
-
Regional4 days agoIran foreign minister meets Chinese counterpart for first time since Iran war started
-
Science & Technology2 days agoJames Webb Telescope captures clearest-ever view of exoplanet’s surface