KABUL (SW): President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has appointed Atif Mashal as the new Chairman of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) replacing former chairman Nasimullah Danish.
Addressing a ceremony at the ACB headquarters in this regard, Eklil Hakimi, Finance Minister, said that Mashal would strive to lift cricket in the country, boost budget for it and ensure facilities for the players. Fazal Hadi Muslimyar, Speaker of the Masharano Jirga said that change in leadership is part of the natural evolution process for any organisation. He urged upon the former ABC leadership to accept the change.
On his part, the new Chairman praised the ACB staff and leadership for the achievements over the 11 years since its inception. “I am very optimistic for making cricket the number one sport of Afghanistan. This is a national game now and people love cricket”, said Mashal. He underlined that he will ensure transparent selection of players. “I will introduce permanent and professional selection committee for cricketers. Financial Independence is an important part of my agenda and I will implement it with true spirit”, said Mashal.
30-year old Atif Mashal is an American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) graduate in Political Science and Public Administration.
It is worth noticing that the former Chairman Nasim Danish was appointed two years ago but his differences with some players over the selection issue causes an uproar that eventually led to change of leadership at the ACB.
ENDS
