LONDON, June 22: In a very significant development in cricketing world, the war-torn Afghanistan today were confirmed as �Full Member� of ICC thereby granting them Test status alongside Ireland as the 11th and 12th nation respectively.
Afghanistan has made rapid strides with their premier leg-spinner Rashid Khan making waves in T20 franchise leagues including IPL. Recently, they beat West Indies in an ODI drawing an away series 1-1.
Afghanistan Cricket Board Chief Executive Shafiq Stanikzai said: �For a nation like Afghanistan, it is a huge and remarkable achievement, the entire nation will be celebrating across all five regions and different provinces, it is the perfect Eid gift.
�Everyone has waited for this news and has been so keen to hear this news. Afghanistan Cricket has gone from strength to strength and we dared to dream that this would happen and today it has become a reality.�
Cricket Ireland Chief Executive Warren Deutrom was ecstatic. �We are delighted and proud with today�s historic announcement. It is an extraordinary testament to the talent and endeavour of thousands of passionate players, coaches, volunteers, staff, clubs and committee people.� � PTI
