AFGHAN CRICKET
By: Sameer Fida Hussain
Coups, wars, bombings, suicide attacks and guerrillas are some of the words which come to mind when we talk about Afghanistan. The restive south Asian country has remained the hotbed for numerous military campaigns. The eyewitness account of one of my journalist friends who has worked as an editor in the strife torn state is appalling. In the face of adversity, the emergence of Afghan cricket team on the world scene is no mean achievement by any stretch of imagination. The transformation of Afghanistan from a country embroiled in civil strife to a cricket fanatic country has been nothing short of incredible. In 2008, Afghanistan came into reckoning as a cricket team by entering the World Cricket League division 5. In 2010, the country played in its first major international tournament, the world twenty 20. In June 2018, they played their first ever test match against India. The rise of Afghan cricket through the ranks fills one with awe.
Afghan cricket has come a long way since its debut in international arena. Whereas Zadrans, Stanikzai’s and Shenwaris have served the cricket crazy nation in many different ways, the likes of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Muhammad Nabi and Mohammad Shahzad have become hot commodities in global T20 leagues. IPL as we all know is taking the world cricket by a storm. The sporting carnival is the most attended cricket league in the world. If the price fetched by a player in IPL auction would have been an indicator of a player’s success then Rashid Khan ( 9Crore) and Mujeeb(4 Crore) would fall in the top bracket. The duo justified their price tag by giving spectacular performances in the league. Rashid Khan weaved a magic on some of the best batsmen and made them dance to his tunes. His flippers, leg spinners and googlies gave the batters a tough time.
The Afghan players were loved and cheered by the crowd. These players along with the others have taken Afghan cricket to an altogether new level. Afghanistan boasts of some really talented batsmen. Led by the mercurial wicketkeeper batsman Mohammad Shahzad, these batsmen are eager to make a mark on the international scene. While Shahzad, with his pyrotechnics, has been a regular in the top of the order, the introduction of the likes of Ihsanullah, Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi has further lent strength to the batting order. Captain AsgarStanikzai and Mohammad Nabi provide solidity to the middle order whereas Rashid Khan and GulbadenNaib are no mucks with the bat. Afganisthan’s strength still lies in the bowling department.
The spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb and Nabiare are a force to reckon with. In these three, they boast of one of the best spin bowling attacks in the world. The fast bowling department also looks quite impressive. Afghanistan’s performance in the recently concluded Asia Cup was encouraging. They managed to beat the island nation of Sri-Lanka by a huge margin of 91 runs. To be finalists, Bangladesh who have already established themselves as a good one day side were beaten by a still good margin of 136 runs. In the super four stage, they had some nerve racking close finishes against Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Buoyed by their exhilarating performances, a spirited Afghan team played a heart-stopping tie against India – the second ranked ODI team in the world. The match against Afganistan was the only match which the Indian cricket team did not win in the entire Asia Cup. Muhammad Shahzad pulverized the Indian bowlers. He was simply sensational. Such was the dominance of the burly opener, that at the half way stage of the Afghan innings, he had contributed 83% of the teams’ total. While as, some will argue that the performance was a “flash in the pan” but Afghanistan has graduated from the lowest tier of cricket to qualifying for two world cups and three world t20’s.
The remarkable rise of Afghan cricket despite limited resources, hardships and instability in the country is highly commendable. Turbulence in home has proved to be a blessing in disguise for some of the Afghan cricketers. Forced out of homes, several players such as Asghar Stanikzai, Muhammad Shahzad and Mohammad Nabi, honed their skills at refugee camps across the border in Peshawar, Pakistan. The contribution of ex-captain, Mohammad Nabi, in the rise of Afghan cricket is unparalleled. Nabi has skillfully marshaled the young players who have come through the ranks.
The veteran player is the highest run scorer in the history of Afghan cricket in one day internationals. To promote cricket, ICC needs to step forward and do an extra bit for these associate nations. Unfortunately, ICC has been found wanting in its role to spread and strengthen the game across the globe. Asia cup has ended on a positive note for Afghanistan but the team does not have much international cricket to follow. In June 2019, Afghanistan will embark on their second world cup journey. They are slated to play against defending champions Australia at Bristol on June 01. It should not come as a shock to cricket buffs if the South Asian country springs up some surprises in the mega cricketing carnival.
Bottom-line:- Whereas, the men in blue won the Asia cup, minnows Afghanistan and underdogs Bangladesh won the hearts.
