Afghanistan A replace Australia A for triangular series in South Africa

Cricket South Africa announced the inclusion of Afghanistan A, who were recently granted Test status by the ICC, in the ODI series against South Africa A and India A after the Australia A team, who were originally supposed to be the part of the tournament, decided to boycott their tour owing to the absence of a Memorandum Of Understanding between Cricket Australia and Australian Cricketers Association.

"We are delighted that Afghanistan have accepted our invitation and look forward to welcoming them to our country for the very first time," commented CSA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat, reported Cricbuzz. "Afghanistan were deservedly granted Full Member status at the ICC annual conference last month after showing impressive growth in recent years.

"They are a passionate cricket nation and I expect the Afghanistan A team to compete strongly against our A team and India A in the upcoming tri-series," noted Lorgat.

On the other hand, Afghanistan were delighted to get such an opportunity and welcomed it with open arms.

"We are very pleased to accept Cricket South Africa's invitation to participate in the upcoming triangular series," commented Afghanistan Chief Executive, Shafiqullah Stanikzai. "This will be our first-ever visit to South Africa and I am certain that this will give Afghanistan 'A' team very good exposure to competitive cricket."

After the conclusion of the triangular series on August 8, India A will play two four-day Tests against South Africa A starting on August 12th at Willowmoore Park, Benoni.