KABUL Cricket Board (ACB) new chief was a ‘politically-motivated move’ as part of the president’s election campaign and a betrayal of cricket fans.

Recently President Ashraf Ghani appointed Farhan Yousufzai as the ACB new head replacing Azizullah Fazli.

A new face, Yousufzai, a businessman in the US, has no cricketing background and experience. He has completed master’s level studies in the US and has experience in business.

Some cricket experts and activists of the Change and Hope Civil Society Organization, have raised objection over Yousafzai’s appointment as the ACB chief.

Imamuddin Oriakhel, a civil society activist, said any cricket body that faced government’s interferences would ultimately be banned from the world’s cricket.

“Currently the cricket board is under political pressure and the recent appointments are politically motivated,” he said.

Oriakhel said cricket was loved and watched nationwide and appointments in the game’s regularity body should be based on merit and professionalism.

Abdul Wakil Eshrati, another member of the organization, said unprofessional and unwise appointments in the cricket board would prevent the youth and newcomers from polishing their talent.

He said the eleventh playing should be a talented individual and young, was a demand of all Afghans.

He demanded the removal of individuals who for specific purposes confronted the cricket board with danger.

ACB Spokesman FaridHotak said the appointment of the new head was made to ensure reforms and betterment in cricket and the national team.

He added the new cricket board head was educated in leadership studies and hoped he would take effective steps to improve the game.

Nh/ma

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