T20 cricket tournament kicks off in Balkh

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): A two-week- long T20 tournament, featuring five teams, has kicked off in the capital of northern Balkh province, an official announced on Wednesday.

Provincial Cricket Director Mohammadulllah Sabit told the opening ceremony in Mazar-i-Sharif a total of 13 matches would be played in the short-format tournament.

He said the event was aimed to identify talented players, enhance their physical fitness and prepare teams for an upcoming inter-club tournament.

Meanwhile, cricketers voiced satisfaction with the organisation of the competition.

Mohammad Anwar, a cricketer, urged the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) to pay greater attention to encouraging players at the provincial level.

Another player, Ahmad Khalid, noted that cricket in Balkh was rapidly becoming popular. He said the province has many skilled players.

However, he cited the lack of a standard cricket ground as a major challenge and urged the ACB to resolve infrastructure issues.

kk/mud