Afghanistan cricketers arrive in Pakistan for a month-long training camp

By Rizwan Ali

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Afghanistan’s cricket team has arrived in the Pakistan city of Lahore for a month of training ahead of the ICC Intercontinental Cup in March.

Coach Kabir Khan told a news conference on Monday that his players will gain experience and the war-torn country’s cricket board will save money by training in Lahore rather than its previous base in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Afghanistan, which is also preparing for World Cricket League Championship matches against Scotland, will play eight one-day games and four Twenty20s against Pakistan regional sides.

Khan says his players “don’t get enough competition” by playing local clubs in Sharjah.

Khan also says there are negotiations with the Pakistan Cricket Board for a five-year deal to allow Afghanistan to train at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

11:02ET 21-01-13