Hashmatullah Shahidi, captain of Afghanistan’s cricket team, has voiced his belief that increased opportunities in Test cricket are essential for the team’s growth in the format.
Despite Afghanistan’s impressive achievements in the limited-overs formats, with victories over top-tier teams in ODIs and T20Is, the Test format remains a challenge. Since their Test debut in 2018, Afghanistan has only played nine Test matches over six years, limiting their experience and development in red-ball cricket.
Shahidi emphasized that regular exposure to top Test teams would help the Afghan side refine their skills and become more competitive.
Drawing inspiration from New Zealand’s gradual rise in the Test rankings, he highlighted that consistent participation in multi-match Test series would enable the team to adjust to the challenges of the format. He pointed out that Afghanistan’s current preparation for Test matches, which often starts just days before a game, is insufficient for mastering the intricacies of Test cricket.
The captain’s comments reflect a broader ambition within Afghanistan’s cricket community to prove themselves on the global stage in Test cricket, complementing their successes in ODIs and T20Is. Shahidi remains optimistic that with more consistent exposure to Test matches, Afghanistan could eventually position itself as a strong Test-playing nation. Despite facing logistical challenges, including weather concerns and limited scheduling, he remains confident in his team’s potential to leave a lasting mark in the red-ball format.
