This will be the former Sri Lanka batter’s first major assignment since being cleared of corruption charges in May
Former @OfficialSLC batsman and coach, Avishka Gunawardene has been appointed as Afghanistan National Team’s batting coach. pic.twitter.com/7P64V6E0vU
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) August 17, 2021
The appointment comes at a time of major upheaval in Afghanistan with the Taliban taking back the political reins following the withdrawal of US troops from the country. It remains to be seen how cricket is affected by these events, though ACB CEO Hamid Shinwari has been quoted saying he expects the sport to carry on as before.
“We will resume our office from tomorrow and the national camp which was underway ahead of the Pakistan series in Sri Lanka will also resume after a two-day break with the change in regime,” Shinwari told PTI on Monday.
It is as yet unclear when the Afghanistan side can fly to Sri Lanka for the series (expected to be played sometime in September), as Kabul airport remains closed following the Taliban’s takeover of the city. It is hoped the team can fly over the next two weeks.
All three ODIs against Pakistan will be played in Hambantota.