Afghanistan lined up to play MCC at Lord's

Afghanistan will take part in their maiden fixture at Lord's this summer, with New Zealand's former captain Brendon McCullum lined up to captain MCC in a 50-over contest.

The match will take place on Tuesday, July 11, on the same wicket that is being prepared for the first Test between England and South Africa, which is due to conclude on the previous day.

It will be the second time in as many seasons that Lord's has hosted a fixture between MCC and an associate nation, with a crowd of nearly 6,000 turning out to watch Nepal's victory last summer.

MCC's connection with Afghanistan goes back several years, with two of their star players, Mohammad Nabi and Hamid Hassan, both being invited to take part in the MCC Young Cricketers program.

In May 2009, MCC's current president, Matthew Fleming, travelled to Jalalabad to oversee the first coaching camps held under the MCC Spirit of Cricket banner.

"I am thrilled that we will be welcoming Afghanistan to Lord's this summer," Fleming said. "I have seen first-hand the talent and passion for cricket the nation has, and this fixture can only be a good thing for the ongoing development of Afghan cricket.

"It is the latest landmark on a very exciting journey for Afghan cricket, and MCC will need to field an extremely strong side in order to compete.

"We are delighted therefore that Brendon McCullum will captain MCC, as he will ensure the match is both competitive and exciting, played in the very best spirit. The whole club looks forward to what we know will be a wonderful and historic day."