Afghanistan batting in a one-day match in Karachi last year

The Afghans will play Essex, Glamorgan and Leicestershire second XI sides in their seven-match, 18-day trip which starts in Hoddesdon on 11 June.

Coach Taj Malik Alam said: "This year is very important for our cricket.

"I think it will be a turning point and if we win all the matches then we can get the attention of the international cricket community."

He added: "We have a long way to go but we really want to participate in the World Cup and become one of the best teams in the world."

Afghanistan, a newly-affiliated member of the International Cricket Council, have played in several Asian Cricket Council tournaments in recent years and also reached the Middle East Cup final.

The national team made its first official tour to Pakistan in 2003.

The Afghan Cricket Federation has 22 teams in the provinces and 12,000 signed-up players and the national team are very excited about the tour.

"It is a great honour to play in England," said player Dawlat Khan Ahmadzai. "Everyone is waiting for us to go, they want to see what we can do and we want to make the most of this opportunity."

Cricket Federation president Shahzada Masoud told the ECB website: "This was our dream to play in the English conditions and I am sure we will impress everybody, especially with our fast bowling which is one of the fastest attacks in the world."

Mike Gatting shakes hands with an Afghanistan player after the game

The MCC, led by former England captain Mike Gatting, played an Afghanistan XI in Mumbai in March and recruited two of the players for their Young Cricketers scheme.

Cricket has become the country's third most popular sport behind buzkashi and football.

Money raised from the tour will be used to help fund the building of a cricket ground in Kabul.

Afghanistan tour fixtures:

June 11 - Hoddesdon CC
June 14 - Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst
June 15 - Glamorgan 2nd XI, Swansea
June 19 - Loughborough UCCE
June 20 - Essex 2nd XI, Billericay
June 21 - Leicestershire 2nd XI, Hinckley Town
June 22 - Ditchling CC, Sussex