Afghanistan Cricket Team's Evolution: A Gritty Tale Of Resilience And Uplifting Support
There's no doubt that the Afghanistan Cricket Team has recently established itself as a force to reckon with on the international stage.?
Right now, Afghanistan, whose rise to fame in recent times has comprehensively impressed the cricket fraternity, is locking horns with Sri Lanka in their backyard.?
But this resilient unit's ascent, fueled by recent heroics, including the impressive run in World Cup 2023, is not an overnight phenomenon.?
The team from a country torn apart by years of war and internal conflicts has overcome all challenges to succeed, albeit with some much-needed assistance along the way.
Here's a throwback to how?some good gestures on the world stage backed the?Afghanistan Cricket Team's grit.
India and Afghanistan: On-field rivals, off-field allies
India, particularly through the unwavering support of the BCCI, played a pivotal role in Afghanistan's cricket journey, highlighted by their stunning 2023 Cricket World Cup performance.?
The roots of Afghan cricket date back to the 1990s when refugees in Pakistan engaged with the Pakistani cricket team. Despite initial challenges, cricket flourished in Afghanistan, with the Taliban allowing its play from 2000.
India's support proved fundamental for Afghanistan's cricket development. Joining the ICC in 2001 and the ACC in 2003 marked their initial foray into international cricket.?
The BCCI's crucial backing in 2012 for ICC associate membership significantly propelled Afghanistan's progress, leading to increased funding.?
Overcoming hurdles like the Taliban insurgency, the BCCI further aided Afghanistan by providing training facilities in India, contributing to their Test status achievement in 2017.?
India's world-class coaching, match hosting, and the presence of Afghan players in the IPL, including the coaching expertise of Ajay Jadeja, propelled Afghanistan's rapid rise in international cricket.
Boost for Afghanistan Cricket Team from UAE?
Khalaf Bukhatir, CEO of the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, emerges as a pivotal figure in Afghanistan's cricket journey, extending a helping hand to the national team and earning the admiration of players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz.?
According to a Khaleej Times report, Bukhatir, a close friend of the talented Afghan cricketer, played a significant role in Afghanistan's remarkable victories in the 2023 World Cup.??
Gurbaz, often likened to AB de Villiers for his sublime timing, expresses deep respect for Bukhatir and has highlighted his crucial contributions to his career and Afghanistan cricket.
Bukhatir's support goes beyond professional commitments, with Gurbaz participating in friendly club matches for the Sharjah Club in gratitude for Bukhatir's assistance.?
The CEO's father, Abdul Rahman Bukhatir, previously provided the Sharjah Cricket Stadium to Afghanistan, allowing them a venue for home matches when the country faced challenges due to internal conflicts.?
Heroics Of Afghanistan Cricket Team in World Cup 2023
Afghanistan's 2023 Cricket World Cup journey concluded before the knockout stages, securing a commendable sixth-place finish and a spot at the 2025 Champions Trophy. Despite missing out on the final stages, their performance showcased a team to watch in future competitions.??
Afghanistan entered the 2023 World Cup with only one prior victory at this level. Their resilience shone as they secured a remarkable 69-run win against reigning champions England, with spinners proving instrumental in restricting England to 215 after Afghanistan posted a total of 284.?
Additionally, Afghanistan displayed dominance by effortlessly chasing down 283 in an eight-wicket victory over Pakistan, marking an impressive start to their campaign.
Azmatullah Omarzai was a standout player, contributing significantly to Afghanistan's cricketing success and highlighting its talent depth. Throughout?the tournament, Afghanistan demonstrated adaptability in team selection and strategy.?
Their noteworthy victories and an ability to control the middle overs showcased the team's versatility. Rashid Khan led the spin department, finishing as the team's leading wicket-taker.?
The campaign emphasised Afghanistan's potential for further success on the international stage, marking a pivotal moment in their cricketing journey.
Gritty display against Indian Cricket Team after WC 2023
On January 17, this year, Afghanistan demonstrated resilience in the 3rd T20I against India. Chasing a target of 213, Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib led a strong comeback, tying the scores and prompting a Super Over.?
Despite a competitive effort, Afghanistan fell short in the second Super Over, giving India the victory.?
Earlier, India's Rohit Sharma and Rinku Singh contributed significantly, posting a total of 212/4. While Rohit's century and Rinku's effort showcased India's dominance, the match highlighted Afghanistan's commendable performance.??
Afghanistan's pioneering journey in world of cricket
Over the last twenty years, Afghanistan's cricket journey has been truly inspiring. Cricket, played by the British in the 19th century, became popular in Afghanistan, especially in refugee camps outside Peshawar during the early 2000s.?
When people returned to their homeland, cricket became a big part of their story, leading to the formation of the Afghanistan Cricket Board in 1995 and the national team in 2001.
Their progress continued with important steps like getting affiliate status in 2001 and becoming an associate member of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in 2003.?
In 2006, they played in the Asian Cricket Council Trophy, reaching the semi-finals and finishing third. The big moment came in 2007 when they won their first trophy at the ACC T20 Cup.?
They also won the ICC World Cricket League Division Five that year. More successes followed, like getting ODI status in 2009, making their first appearance in the T20 World Cup in 2010, and becoming an associate member by the ICC in 2013.?
The journey reached new heights in 2017 when they got Test status and celebrated their first Test win in 2019.?
Despite encountering difficulties in the 2019 ODI World Cup, Afghanistan made a strong comeback with impressive victories in the 2023 World Cup, showcasing the gradual yet effective development of its cricketing journey.
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