Sport
ATN secures exclusive rights to broadcast T20I series in India across Afghanistan
The series will be played from September 13 to 17 at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi.
Ariana Television Network (ATN) has secured the exclusive broadcasting rights for the upcoming three-match T20 International series between Afghanistan and India, giving cricket fans across Afghanistan the opportunity to watch all the action live and exclusively on Ariana Television.
The highly anticipated three-match series, scheduled to run from 13 to 17 September, will see Afghanistan take on one of the world’s leading cricket teams in an exciting T20I contest.
The series will be played from September 13 to 17 at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi.
The announcement comes just days after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) named a 15-member squad for the series, with Ibrahim Zadran appointed as captain in his first assignment as Afghanistan’s full-time T20I skipper.
Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has returned to the squad after recovering from a stress fracture in his right shoulder. His return strengthens an attack that also includes Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai and all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai.
Experienced all-rounder Gulbadin Naib has also been recalled, while uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Noor Rahman has received his maiden call-up following strong performances in domestic cricket and the Shpageeza Cricket League.
Afghanistan’s spin department includes Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Nangyal Kharoti and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, while veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi adds further experience to the squad.
ACB Chief Executive Officer Naseeb Khan said the board had focused on selecting a balanced and well-prepared squad for the series and expressed hope that Afghanistan would deliver a strong performance against India.
He also described the series as a significant milestone for Afghan cricket, noting that Afghanistan will host India for the first time.
Although the series will be played in India, ATN’s exclusive rights will allow cricket fans in Afghanistan to follow every match live on Ariana Television.
Fans are encouraged to tune in to Ariana Television for the live broadcasts and follow ATN’s official social media platforms for the latest news, match information, squad updates and developments ahead of the series.
Afghanistan squad
Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Noor Rahman (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Naveen-ul-Haq.
Sport
ACL: Abu Muslim Farah 4-0 Istiqlal Kabul; Omar Zawak 3-1 Sarsabz Yashlar
Abu Muslim Farah and Omar Zawak secured convincing victories on Monday as the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan continued in Kabul.
In the sixth match of the competition, Abu Muslim Farah produced a dominant performance to defeat Istiqlal Kabul 4–0.
Mahboob Hanifi and Omid Popalzai found the net in the first half to give Abu Muslim Farah a two-goal advantage at the break. Alireza Panahi and Farzad Tajik added two more goals after halftime, completing a comfortable victory and earning Abu Muslim Farah all three points.
In the seventh match, Omar Zawak defeated Sarsabz Yashlar 3–1, with Shadab Malekzada stealing the spotlight.
Malekzada scored all three goals for Omar Zawak to complete an impressive hat-trick. Mehran Khas scored Sarsabz Yashlar’s only goal, but it was not enough to prevent Omar Zawak from claiming a convincing win.
Upcoming Fixtures
The Afghanistan Champions League Roshan continues on Wednesday with two matches:
- Toofan Herat vs. Ariana Khost
- Khorasan Faryab vs. Aino Mina
Football fans can watch the matches live on Ariana Television Network (ATN).
Sport
Farooq Khan Ahmadzai makes international umpiring debut
He was recently promoted to the ACB’s elite umpiring panel following a competitive selection process.
Afghanistan’s Farooq Khan Ahmadzai made his international umpiring debut during the first T20I between Afghanistan and India, becoming the seventh Afghan umpire to officiate at international level.
Ahmadzai, one of the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s leading domestic umpires, took charge of his first international match in the opening game of the three-match series in New Delhi on Sunday, September 14.
He was recently promoted to the ACB’s elite umpiring panel following a competitive selection process.
Ahmadzai joins a growing group of Afghan officials who have officiated in international cricket, including Ahmad Shah Durrani, Ahmad Shah Pakteen and Izatullah Safi, who are among the Afghan umpires currently listed on the ICC’s international umpire panel.
Pakteen is the most experienced of the group, having officiated in Tests, ODIs and T20Is.
Ahmadzai has built considerable experience in Afghanistan’s domestic game, having officiated in 38 first-class matches, 59 List A matches and 74 T20s before making the step up to international cricket.
His international debut came during a significant fixture, with Afghanistan facing India in the opening match of their T20I series.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board congratulated Ahmadzai on the milestone and wished him success in his international umpiring career.
Sport
India beat Afghanistan by seven wickets in first T20I
Arshdeep Singh was India’s leading bowler, taking three wickets for 19 runs. Jasprit Bumrah also returned to the Indian playing XI after missing recent assignments because of a left-knee injury.
India defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets in the first T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday, taking a 1-0 lead in the series after chasing down a target of 157 in 13.4 overs.
Afghanistan made a positive start after being asked to bat first, but their innings was disrupted by a sharp collapse in the middle overs. They fell from 38/1 to 43/5, losing four wickets for five runs and putting themselves under significant pressure.
The collapse began with a run-out involving Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal. After the ball was played towards deep midwicket, the batters attempted a second run but were unable to complete it. Zadran slipped while turning for the run, allowing Ishan Kishan to finish the dismissal with a direct throw.
Afghanistan’s recovery then depended largely on Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi. Omarzai remained unbeaten on 64 from 44 balls, while Nabi contributed 33 as the pair added important runs to take Afghanistan to 156/8 from their 20 overs.
Arshdeep Singh was India’s leading bowler, taking three wickets for 19 runs. Jasprit Bumrah also returned to the Indian playing XI after missing recent assignments because of a left-knee injury.
Afghanistan’s total left little margin for error against India’s batting line-up, and the hosts quickly took control of the chase. Abhishek Sharma scored 82 from 32 balls, reaching his half-century from 22 deliveries with seven fours and seven sixes.
Sharma’s rapid scoring significantly reduced the required run rate and allowed India to maintain control despite the early dismissal of Sanju Samson, who made 10.
Ishan Kishan then provided further stability, scoring 42 from 33 balls. India reached the target in 13.4 overs, with Kishan helping ensure there was no late pressure in the chase.
The sides will meet for their second T20I on Tuesday.
Fans can watch the match live on Ariana Television Network (ATN).
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