Sport
ATN secures rights to produce, broadcast second season of KPL
Ariana Television Network (ATN) has once again secured the rights to produce and broadcast this year’s exciting T20 cricket tournament, the Kabul Premier League (KPL).
This comes after the successful inaugural KPL tournament in July last year.
As with last year’s tournament, this year’s KPL will also be played at the Ayobi Sports Complex in Kabul. Dates will be announced soon.
ATN’s Deputy Managing Director & Director Sales & Acquisitions, Lutfullah Stanikzai, said on Sunday ATN’s involvement in the tournament is in line with the company’s commitment to the development of sports in the country.
“ATN leadership is committed to the development of sports, and will cooperate with Ayoubi Sports Complex officials so that citizens will be provided with sound entertainment and players, in different teams, will bring pride to Afghanistan.”
Officials from Ayoubi Sports Complex were also thrilled to announce the exciting news and said the tournament will bring great excitement to cricket fans around the country as they will be able to tune in and watch the matches live.
“Kabul Premier League will get underway [soon]. It will be the second season. ATN broadcast the last season’s matches live. It was a good tournament last year. There will be new innovations and greater excitement this year,” said Abdul Latif Ayoubi, head of Ayoubi Sports Complex.
While details of the tournament have not yet been released, ATN will keep fans updated on dates, teams and players, along with other information.
Some cricket experts have however said they expect the league will follow the same or similar pattern as last year, although this year, six franchises will take each other on.
These were Abaseen Defenders, Kabul Zalmi, Pamir Stars, Shaheen Hunters, Shamshad Eagles and Speenghar Warriors.
The trophy was lifted last year by Shaheen Hunters.
The Kabul Premier League aims to not only promote cricket in the country but also serve as a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills.
Ariana Television will broadcast the matches live, allowing cricket enthusiasts from around the country to witness the excitement and talent on display.
As with other leagues, each franchise will probably participate in a draft process to secure players. Once this is confirmed, Ariana Television and Ariana News will update fans.
It is also expected that teams will play through the season with the top four moving on to the playoffs and then the finals.
Last year, each team comprised 16 players and the tournament ran over eight days in July.
This latest development is one of a growing list of exciting sporting events that ATN hopes to broadcast this year for its loyal fans and supporters.
Currently, the thrilling IPL is being broadcast live in Afghanistan – so for fans who have not yet turned in, be sure to watch Ariana Television from Tuesday, April 2 at 6.30.
In addition, remember to watch this space for announcements and updates on this year’s exciting home-grown KPL.
Sport
Afghanistan, Uzbekistan set for friendly cricket clash in Khost
The match will be played during a cricket league, and is part of the Cricket Development Support Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the ACB and the Cricket Federation of Uzbekistan in December last year.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced that it will host Uzbekistan’s national cricket team for a one-off T20 international on July 10 at the Rahmat Wali Masroori Cricket Ground in Khost province.
According to the ACB, the match will be played during a cricket league, and is part of the Cricket Development Support Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the ACB and the Cricket Federation of Uzbekistan in December last year.
The friendly match is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM, with an Afghan XI taking on the visiting Uzbek side. The game will be broadcast live across Afghanistan and internationally through various linear and digital platforms.
Quoted by the ACB, Chief Executive Officer Naseeb Khan said the board remains committed to supporting emerging cricket nations such as Uzbekistan and is ready to extend similar assistance to other countries seeking to develop the sport.
He noted that the ACB has already organized capacity-building programs and training workshops for members of the Cricket Federation of Uzbekistan, while several Uzbek fast bowlers also participated in the ACB’s specialized Fast Bowling Camp last year.
Khan added that Uzbekistan has consistently maintained a friendly policy toward Afghanistan and that the two countries have strengthened cooperation in healthcare, politics, and trade in recent years. He said closer collaboration in cricket development would further deepen relations between the two neighboring nations.
Sport
Serbian Dejan Dedovic appointed head coach of Afghanistan national futsal team
Dedovic will lead Afghanistan’s preparations for upcoming regional and international competitions, overseeing the team’s technical development and training programs.
The Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF) has appointed Serbian coach Dejan Dedovic as the new head coach of the national futsal team on a two-year contract.
The agreement was signed during a ceremony attended by AFF officials, futsal committee members, technical staff, and sports journalists.
Dedovic will lead Afghanistan’s preparations for upcoming regional and international competitions, overseeing the team’s technical development and training programs.
The federation also announced several additions to the national team’s coaching staff. Iran’s Javad Asghari Moqaddam has been appointed technical director, while Morteza Mansour Samaei will serve as goalkeeping coach. Spain’s Uriel Masana has joined as assistant coach, Iran’s Sadeq Amani as fitness coach, and Brazil’s Joao Lira as team analyst.
In addition, the AFF renewed the contract of Mohammad Nasir Sedaqat as manager of the national futsal team.
The federation said it expects the newly assembled coaching staff to contribute to the continued development of Afghan futsal and strengthen the team’s competitiveness at the regional and international levels.
Sport
India clinch ODI series against Afghanistan
The India national cricket team defeated Afghanistan in the third and final One Day International (ODI), sealing the series with a 9-wicket victory and lifting the series trophy.
Afghanistan won the toss in the final match and opted to bat first.
Batting first, Afghanistan were bowled out for 218 in 44.2 overs, setting India a target of 219 runs.
Hashmatullah Shahidi played a superb innings, scoring 102 runs off 131 deliveries, anchoring the Afghan batting effort.
In reply, India made light work of the chase, reaching 219 for the loss of just one wicket in 28.4 overs, completing a dominant run chase.
India had already taken an unassailable lead in the series by winning the first ODI by 7 wickets and the second by 170 runs, before sealing a comprehensive 3–0 series sweep in the final match.
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