Kabul, March 24, 2025: Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has entered a five-year destination support agreement with the Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub, which designates the latter as the exclusive destination host for ACB’s training camps and competitive cricket from 2025 to 2029.
The agreement, which spans from 2025-2029, positions Abu Dhabi as the exclusive UAE host for ACB’s training camps and all International and junior-level matches and tournaments, reinforcing ADCSH as the leading national hub of sporting excellence. Additionally, ACB will continue its collaboration with the Emirates Cricket Board to utilise multiple venues across the United Arab Emirates for hosting senior men’s bilateral matches, as part of the mutual cooperation agreement between the two organizations. The collaboration also serves as a platform for Afghanistan’s rising cricket stars and plays a key role in diversifying and strengthening the national game.
The agreement also encompasses ADCSH’s support towards ACB to facilitate the Board’s global operations and enhance player development pathways.
The agreement was signed last week between Naseeb Khan, ACB CEO and Mr. Matt Boucher, CEO ADSCH in the presence of H.E. Aref Al Awani, General Secretary ADSC, in support of the partnership. The move follows high-level discussions between ACB, ADSC, and ADCSH, in which the parties reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cricket opportunities for Afghanistan’s players on the global stage.
ACB CEO Naseeb Khan expressed his appreciation for Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s unwavering support. “Very excited to be entering a fruitful partnership with the ADCSH, which will allow us to utilize all the premium facilities available in this destination for the development of our age-group cricket. Abu Dhabi confirmed as our second home marks another turning point for Afghanistan cricket. The UAE has been instrumental in providing us with a platform to compete at the highest level, and I would like to thank the Emirates Cricket Board and all the
venues for their continued support. The opportunity to now focus on Abu Dhabi as our training base and our home for age-group participation will allow us to elevate Afghanistan’s sporting success and build a strong national future for the game of cricket in our country.”
Aref Al Awani, said the agreement underlines the unifying potential of cricket and the UAE. He said: “Abu Dhabi is proud to play a leading role in supporting the growth of the Afghan cricket ecosystem. The UAE has long been a second home for Afghanistan cricket, and by formalizing this collaboration, we are helping to ensure the national team and future stars have the infrastructure and opportunities they deserve. The partnership also underlines Abu Dhabi’s commitment to the further development of cricket and the leveraging of its considerable potential as a unifying force to build bridges across national boundaries.”
Matt Boucher said the agreement is closely aligned with Abu Dhabi’s overall vision of fostering a diversity of talent across all levels. He commented: “Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub is honoured to provide a world-class home for Afghanistan cricket. Our facilities have already welcomed the world’s best players, and this agreement strengthens our strong commitment to nurturing global sporting and cricket talent and leveraging its capacity to be a force for societal good. We’ve loved hosting Afghanistan over the last couple of years and are pleased we can confirm Abu Dhabi as their second home.”
This landmark agreement, supported by the ADSC, solidifies Abu Dhabi as a premier destination for cricket and multisport excellence, ensuring sustained growth and global visibility of the sport.
The End
Commercial Department
