Afghanistan is set for another milestone when the team takes part in their maiden fixture at Lord's – “the home of cricket” - this summer, against Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in a 50-over contest.

The match is scheduled for July 11, on the same wicket that is being prepared for the first Test between England and South Africa, which is due to end on the previous day.

Now one of the world’s leading associate countries, Afghanistan is closing in on becoming a Test match nation. Currently the team is top of the International Cricket Council s Intercontinental Cup standings – which could spur the winner on to gaining Test status. 

According to ESPNcricinfo.com, MCC's connection with Afghanistan goes back several years, with two of their star players, Mohammad Nabi and Hamid Hassan, both having been invited to take part in the MCC Young Cricketers program.

In May 2009, MCC's current president, Matthew Fleming, travelled to Jalalabad to oversee the first coaching camps under the MCC Spirit of Cricket banner.

"I am thrilled that we will be welcoming Afghanistan to Lord's this summer," Fleming said. 

"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,” he said.

"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 (former New Zealand captain) 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," Fleming said.

“We have inclusive plans for improvement of cricket. We will witness further development of cricket in the country. The match will open a new chapter of development in the history of Afghanistan’s cricket,” the chairman of Afghanistan Cricket Board, Shukrullah Atif Mashal said in a statement on Saturday.