MCC to recruit two Afghan cricketers

London, May 4 (UNI) Impressed by their form in a match against the club in Mumbai earlier this year, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has decided to recruit two Afghan players -- Mohammed Nabi and Hamid Hassan.

The duo were spotted when they played key roles in steering their country to a 171 victory over the Club in the first-ever MCC vs Afghanistan fixture played in March in Mumbai.

Mohammed Nabi scored an undefeated century while Hamid Hassan impressed MCC's batsmen, including former England captain Mike Gatting, with the skill, aggression and pace of his bowling.

Mohammed and Hamid will join MCC in mid-season and then play for the Club in another landmark match - the first-ever MCC vs Europe fixture - in The Netherlands in June, the club said in a statement.

''They will subsequently join the ranks of the MCC Young Cricketers at Lord's and receive expert guidance from the Club's coaching staff, which is headed by Clive Radley - the former Middlesex and England batsman,'' it said.

Clive's prominent wards include Rikki Clarke (England), Hamish Marshall (New Zealand) and Darren Sammy (West Indies).

Nabi and Hamid will spend at least a month as MCC Young Cricketers after which their performances will be reviewed and their spells with the Club could be extended.

MCC's Head of Cricket, John Stephenson said, ''I am delighted that Mohammed and Hamid will be joining MCC. Their recruitment is one of the many positive developments to have stemmed from the pioneering match, in March, between MCC and Afghanistan.'' ''MCC will give Mohammed and Hamid every opportunity to develop their skills and broaden their cricketing experience. They will benefit from great facilities, some tremendous playing opportunities and, in Clive Radley, an outstandingly good coach. Everyone at MCC is looking forward to welcoming them to Lord's,'' he added.

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