KABUL (SW) – Afghanistan has finally joined the innovative format ‘Last Man Stand’ of cricket originated in England in 2005.
Former fast bowler of the national team, Hameed Hassan, has been named as the ambassador of LMS in Afghanistan. Last Man Stands cricket (LMS) is a form of cricket played with only 8 players per side. It originated in England in 2005. It is a 20-over format where a pink ball is used.
The format has been brought to Afghanistan by England-based Fawad Ahmad. Speaking on the occasion, he said the LMS format is fast gaining popularity worldwide due to its fun features and competitive edge. He added efforts are underway to promote the game across Afghanistan, and attract talent for international exposure in this format of cricket.
On his term, Hameed Hassan thanked the Afghanistan Cricket Board for facilitating the advent of LMS in the country. Azizullah Fazli, chairman of the ACB, assured full support in this regard.
Played with 8 players per side, the most distinguishing feature of this form of cricket is that if a team loses 7 wickets in an innings, the remaining batsman continues to bat without a partner, instead of being stranded (according to the normal Laws of Cricket, a batsman cannot bat without a partner).
Up to 15 countries have so far adopted the LMS under the umbrella of the International Cricket Council. The number of registered players with the LMS format reaches to 100,000 while some 7000 domestic clubs are onboard.
Maiden tournament of this format would begin in June this year.
ENDS
