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 Free Entry Announced For Landmark Test Match Between Sri Lanka & Afghanistan At SSC

image-ls0gbzpxAfghanistan will be without Rashid Khan (Twitter)

In a huge move to bolster the popularity of Test cricket, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced that the public will be granted free entry to the upcoming one-off Test match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.

Fans allowed free entry for historic SL vs AFG Test in Colombo

The historic encounter, which marks the first time the two teams will clash in the longest format of the game, is scheduled to commence on February 2, 2024, at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Colombo.

This gesture by SLC, revealed via their X handle, is a strategic effort to attract large crowds, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere at the venue. Spectators can gain access to the ground through gates 4 and 9, allowing fans an unhindered opportunity to witness this significant event in person.

The match holds significant importance as it represents Afghanistan's first Test against Sri Lanka, making them their sixth opponent in this format. Despite being relatively new to Test cricket, Afghanistan has shown promising potential. However, their last outing in June 2023 resulted in a heavy defeat against Bangladesh.

This upcoming match in Colombo will be their eighth appearance in Test cricket, a journey that continues to build the team's experience and skill in the format. Adding to the anticipation, Afghanistan's tour of Sri Lanka also includes three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and an equal number of T20 Internationals following the Test.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Afghanistan announced their squad for the one-off Test. Star player, Rashid Khan, who is still recovering from a back injury, will miss the Test. In light of this, spinner Qais Ahmed, whose sole Test appearance dates back five years, has been recalled to the squad. His inclusion, along with four uncapped players – Noor Ali Zadran, Zia-ur-Rehman, Mohammad Ishaq, and Naveed Zadran – brings a fresh dynamic to the team.

Afghanistan squad for Sri Lanka Test

Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah (vc), Ibrahim Zadran, Noor Ali Zadran, Qais Ahmad, Abdul Malik, Bahir Shah, Nasir Jamal, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Zia-ur-Rehman, Nijat Masood, Zahir Khan, Mohammad Saleem, Yamin Ahmadzai, Naveed Zadran.