The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has revised its financial distribution model and increased the share for cash-strapped Afghanistan from Asia Cup earnings. Afghanistan became a Full Member of the ICC in 2017, but had been earning a lower share from the last two Asia Cups held in 2018 and 2022, with other Full Members in Asia divvying up the earnings equally.

But with a new distribution model now in place, all Asian Test-playing nations including Afghanistan will be getting equal amounts from the ACC - that will effectively raise Afghanistan's share from 6% to 15%. The other Full Members of the ACC - Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh - will be getting a lesser share than before to accommodate the rise in Afghanistan's revenue. Thus, the five Full Members will be getting 15% each, with the remaining amount to be distributed among Associates and Affiliates.

"This is a major move in our favour, and we are confident that this increased funding will contribute significantly to the continued growth and success of this game in our country."

However, it found local sponsors and government funding, and managed to get back on its feet with cash starting to flow in December. The ICC also pays Afghanistan's operational costs (from their share of ICC funds) incurred outside Afghanistan by mainly paying players, and also vendors engaged in hosting their games in the UAE. The ACB has also come under increased scrutiny and pressure for having made no progress with women's cricket - a functioning women's cricket team is a requirement for Full Member status with the ICC. Discussions on that are expected at the next ICC board meetings in March.

Afghanistan seek more bilateral cricket

In an ACC meeting in Bahrain last week, the Afghanistan delegation led by Ashraf and ACB's CEO Naseeb Khan discussed the possibility of playing more bilateral cricket. Pakistan was the first country to accept playing a series, although it is believed the PCB had to persuade its government to give the go-ahead, given the complex geo-political ties between the two countries at the moment.