The four-day first class cricket competition “Ahmad Shah Abdali Cup” kicked off in Kabul on Wednesday where teams from five zones will compete against each other. 

The event falls under the International Cricket Council, said officials from Afghanistan Cricket Board.

“We continue our efforts to build a standard cricket ground and we are looking for land for it,” said Atif Mashal, head of Afghanistan Cricket Board.

“The first-class matches will include those whose players can play at international events and it has a special value at the International Cricket Council,” said Dawlat Ahmadzai, an official of the cricket board.

Players said they hope that in future there will be further opportunities to improve the sport. 

“We are happy about the matches. This will help us gain more experience and we hope to have a good tournament,” said Ami Zadran, a cricket player.

“I congratulate all members of the cricket board. This is a unique opportunity to improve cricket in the country,” said Omran Jannat, another cricketer.

The tournament will be played in Kabul, Khost and Nangarhar provinces and will last for one month. 

The best players will be selected for the A team and development teams organized by the Afghanistan Cricket Board.