Afghanistan have always craved chances. Ever since making their Test debut against India in Bengaluru in June 2018, they have played only 12 matches in the format in eight years. Their most recent appearance came against Zimbabwe in October 2025.
As Afghanistan prepare for another rare outing in the longest format, new head coach Richard Pybus has highlighted the lack of regular fixtures as the biggest roadblock in the team’s Test journey.
Speaking ahead of his first assignment in charge, Pybus made it clear that opportunities, not ability, remain Afghanistan’s biggest challenge. He pointed out that gaining Full Member status should come with a structured and consistent schedule.
“The key issue for us is simple. We need more Test matches. One-off
games are not enough to help a team grow,” he said.
“It is not just about getting full membership. There has to be a proper fixture list. Teams cannot develop purely through World Cups or limited opportunities. Regular exposure in Test cricket is essential,” Pybus added.
While raising concerns, Pybus also acknowledged the support Afghanistan has received from India.
“The BCCI has been very helpful in giving us opportunities this year. That has been important for our development. Going forward, it would be great to see other full members also contribute and ensure a more balanced schedule,” he said.
Taking over from Jonathan Trott, who oversaw a period of significant growth, Pybus said his early days in the role have been focused on understanding the team’s structure and culture.
“This is my first match in charge, so it has been about getting to know the players and the system. I have spent time in Kabul, met the administration, and watched domestic competitions. The standard of first-class cricket here is impressive and shows there is depth in the system,” he noted.
“Jonathan Trott did an outstanding job. The team has developed rapidly in a short time, and there is a solid base to build on. My aim is to continue that progress,” he said.
One of the most striking takeaways from his visit to Afghanistan was the raw passion for cricket, even in the absence of proper infrastructure.
“I have never seen anything like it. You see kids playing on stone grounds, with concrete pitches and makeshift boundaries. Yet the passion is unbelievable. Despite these challenges, the quality of players coming through is remarkable,” Pybus said.
“The country now has players who are global stars, not just national heroes. Youngsters look up to them and dream of reaching that level. That is how the game grows,” he added.
While Afghanistan’s immediate focus remains on competing well against India, Pybus reiterated that long-term progress depends on consistent opportunities in Test cricket.
“You cannot expect improvement if there are long gaps between matches. Playing one Test and then waiting months for the next does not help. Development comes from playing regularly, ideally in three or five-match series,” he explained.
“This is not just our challenge. It is something the ICC needs to address. If the game wants to grow globally, every full member must get a fair and consistent run in Test cricket,” he said.
