(Source X)
The Taliban expressed appreciation to India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their contributions to the development of Afghanistan cricket. This statement followed Afghanistan’s advancement to the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, held in the West Indies and the USA.
Afghanistan has achieved a significant milestone by becoming only the 10th team in cricket history, whether in ODIs or T20s, to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup. Afghanistan joined the International Cricket Council (ICC) as an affiliate member two decades ago and has now reached the semi-finals of the current T20 World Cup 2024.
Taliban says Thankful For India’s Continuous Help
The Taliban expressed gratitude to India for its continuous assistance in bolstering the capabilities of the Afghanistan Cricket Team. They recognized India’s contribution to Afghanistan’s recent accomplishments, particularly their victory over Bangladesh.
“We are thankful for India’s continuous help in capacity building of the Afghan Cricket Team. We really appreciate that,” Taliban’s Head of the Political Office, Suhail Shaheen told WION News.
India has significantly supported Afghanistan’s cricket development through financial aid and infrastructure assistance. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) facilitated training facilities for Afghan players at Indian stadiums and secured sponsorships from Indian corporations. Moreover, the BCCI allocated $1 million for the construction of the Kandahar Cricket Stadium.
Afghanistan’s cricket team used the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida and another ground in Dehradun as temporary home venues, thanks to India’s support. India also hosted Afghanistan’s inaugural Test match. Afghan players have gained valuable experience by participating regularly in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Key Afghan cricketers such as Mohammad Nabi, captain Rashid Khan, and Naveen-ul-Haq honed their skills in the IPL environment. Reports indicate that Afghanistan is set to host Bangladesh next month for a series of three ODIs and T20Is, with matches scheduled to take place at Noida and Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium on Indian soil.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) posted a video on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), featuring Afghanistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amir Khan Muttaqi, extending congratulations to Rashid Khan for advancing to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup.
“The country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amir Khan Muttaqi, congratulated Rashid Khan, the Afghan team captain, on reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup and wished the team more success. You can listen to their full telephone conversation here.”
Afghanistan made history by clinching their inaugural semi-final spot in the T20 World Cup 2024 after overcoming Bangladesh by 8 runs in their final league stage match on June 25. Led by Rashid Khan, they also secured a notable victory over strong contenders Australia by 21 runs in their second Super Eight encounter in St. Vincent.
Next, the Rashid Khan-led squad is set to face South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, in the first semi-final scheduled for June 26 in Trinidad (local time). The Afghanistan team is determined to excel in this crucial match and advance to the final of the ongoing ICC tournament.
