Nepotism alleged in ACB trials to select U-19 players

KHOST CITY (Pajhwok): Dozens of youth underwent trials in Khost, Paktia, Paktika, Ghazni and Logar provinces about a week ago to be selected for the under-19 national cricket team, but many participants claimed the process was not transparent.

Around five thousand young players underwent trials across the country during the past two weeks organized by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) to select talented players for the under-19 national side.

However, a number of cricket players in Khost expressed doubts over the transparency of the trials and claimed the rights of players were violated this time again.

Aimal Shaheen, who has been playing in the Khost team for the past few years, said such tests were mostly symbolic and players were selected based on nepotism.

He told Pajhwok Afghan News many talented players were ignored in the trials for the under-19 cricket team held in Khost about two weeks ago.

“I have been playing in the selected Khost team for the last several years and have performed constantly well. I want the selection committee to give me my right.”

Another cricketer Latif also said every time transparency was not taken care of in trials conducted to select players for the national cricket team and other teams. He asked the cricket board to ensure the players’ selection process was transparent so that no one was disheartened.

“Often the results of trials conducted by the cricket board are not fair, there is definitely a fraud in it."

Cricket commentator Ahmad also said the recent trials were not conducted the way they should have been and there was no transparency.

“A batsman or a bowler cannot be selected by playing a few balls. We do not call this process transparent. We hope that the cricket board will review this process."

Meanwhile, ACB officials said the process of selecting players for the under-19 side was fully transparent and players’ skills and talent were considered.

A member of the selection committee, Nazeem Jar Abdul Rahimzai told Pajhwok Afghan News they tested the players through free competitions.

“This process was an open trial and everyone was given the right time to exhibit their talent. The doctor determined their age. Our main goal is to select team for the 2024 World Cup.”

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