Afghanistan to grace Lords

Afghanistan are set to make their first ever appearance at cricket’s spiritual home, Lords, when they take on the MCC on July 11.

Former Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum has been confirmed as the MCC’s skipper for the occasion.

The fixture comes after the successful visit of another associate nation last year in the shape of Nepal who beat the famous club in front of 6,000 onlookers.

Afghanistan players Mohammad Nabi and Hamid Hassan have both part of the MCC Young Cricketers program.

The MCC Spirit of Cricket initiative have run numerous training camps in Afghanistan with MCC President Matthew Fleming traveling to Jalalabad in the Asian nation some years back.

Fleming said of the fixture: “I am thrilled that we will be welcoming Afghanistan to Lord’s this summer. I have seen first-hand the talent and passion for cricket the nation has, and this fixture can only be a good thing for the ongoing development of Afghan cricket.

“It is the latest landmark on a very exciting journey for Afghan cricket, and MCC will need to field an extremely strong side in order to compete.

“We are delighted therefore that Brendon McCullum will captain MCC, as he will ensure the match is both competitive and exciting, played in the very best spirit.

“The whole Club looks forward to what we know will be a wonderful and historic day.”

The match will take place directly after the England clash with the Proteas at Lords and on the Test strip.

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