LAHORE – The concerns have been expressed over the ages of Afghanistan’s Under-19 cricketers as several players look older than expected during the Asia Cup and now participating in the World Cup in the UAE.
Talking on a local private TV, former fast bowler Rana Naveed-ul-Hasan, who served as a development coach for the Afghanistan Cricket Board for three years, commented on the matter, saying that while reports about one or two players looking older may have some basis, it does not apply to the entire team.
He emphasized that the players likely have proper documentation verifying their ages, which would have been checked and approved by the International Cricket Council before granting them permission to play.
Rana Naveed-ul-Hasan explained that Afghan youth often appear physically older than their actual age due to factors such as climate, environment, and diet, similar to young boys from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan. He pointed out that similar conditions exist in Afghanistan, affecting the physical appearance of its cricketers.
The former coach, who recently ended his tenure with the Afghanistan Cricket Board, also warned Pakistan not to underestimate the Afghan team in the upcoming triangular series in Zimbabwe and the World Cup.
He described the Afghan players as highly talented and stressed that Pakistan would need a comprehensive strategy to succeed against them.
He expressed confidence in Pakistan’s Under-19 team, highlighting that their Asia Cup victory over India would have boosted their morale.
“The Pakistani team will be considered a strong contender not only in the triangular series but also in the World Cup,” he added.
