The Sharjah Cricket Stadium, which staged its 200th international game recently, will serve as the new home of Afghanistan cricketers. Abdul Rahman Bukhatir, patron of UAE cricket who brought international matches into the country, has allowed the Afghanistan players to use the facilities in the stadium.
"Bearing in mind the difficulties they have in Afghanistan, the cricketers deserve to have a place somewhere where they can come and feel that they are at home. Here they have huge local support and they can make full use of all facilities in the Sharjah stadium, including the gymnasium and nets," said Bukhatir.
Commenting on the gesture, Afghanistan coach Kabir Khan told Gulf News: "I am very thankful to Bukhatir. It is a huge step because nobody in eight years has given us such an offer. We want to fully utilise it. Our cricket board and my players are very thankful to him."
Mazhar Khan, the secretary of Sharjah Cricket Council, said: "Cricket should be played as much as possible and enjoyed by as many as possible at all times. Afghanistan brings a freshness and energy to cricket and they can also use the facilities at Al Dhaid Cricket Village."
The Asian Cricket Council chief executive Ashraf Ul Haq also acknowledged Bukhatir's sporting gesture.
"With very little in the way of facilities in Afghanistan, the team have qualified for the World Twenty20 Cup this year though they narrowly missed out on World Cup 2011 qualification.
"Being able to practise and play frequently in Sharjah, to be able to invite other teams to their new ‘home ground' can only help them improve as cricketers."
