New Delhi, Dec 12 (PTI) The Committee of AdministratorsChairman Vinod Rai today welcomed the BCCI's decision to hoststrife-torn Afghanistan for their first ever Test match,saying the game will be enriched by the participation of moreteams.
"I am delighted that the BCCI has agreed to extend ahelping hand to Afghanistan and will formally welcome theminto the Test arena by playing their first-ever Test," Raisaid in a statement.
"The game of cricket can be further enriched when moreand more countries take part," he added.
The BCCI, in its latest Future Tours Programme (FTP)finalised at a Special General Meeting yesterday, announcedthat Afghanistan, a team that has made rapid strides despitethe constant troubles back home, will play its first ever Testagainst India.
BCCI CEO Rahul Johri said he was looking forward to thehistoric clash, which will take place in the 2018-19 season,and further details of the match would be announced soon.
"We have been working closely with the officials ofAfghanistan Cricket Board and look forward to seeing historybeing made.
"We are aware that fans from both the nations are eagerlywaiting for the historic clash. The BCCI will work with theAfghanistan Cricket Board and announce the details shortly,"he said.
The war-ravaged country had earned the Test status,alongside Ireland, this June, realising their five-day cricketdream after impressive performances in ODIs and T20Internationals.
Besides welcoming them into five-day cricket, the BCCIhas also extended a helping hand to Afghanistan on a number ofoccasions.
Afghanistan has hosted its home games in India, mostrecently the series against Ireland in Greater Noida.
Rashid Khan and Mohammed Nabi became the first set ofAfghanistan cricketers to be bought at the IPL auction earlierthis year and left a strong impression with impressiveperformances. PTI APA PMPM.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.