Cricket in Afghanistan Assignment
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smfahimandalibCricket in Afghanistan Assignment
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smfahimandalibCricket’s Rise in Afghanistan: From War to World Stage
Introduction
Cricket is not just a game in Afghanistan—it has become a symbol of hope, unity, and national
pride. Though the country has faced war and so much criticism, cricket has grown and brought
joy to the people. Starting from refugee camps and simple local villages, Afghan cricket is now
recognized globally. The assignment explains how cricket started in this region, the path for the
players, the problems faced by the players, the major achievements, and the effect of cricket on
society, especially Afghan youths.
How Cricket Started in Afghanistan
Cricket was first introduced by the Afghan refugees who had been living in Pakistan during the
war in the 1980s and 1990s. Many of these people lived in refugee camps, where they learned
the game. When they returned home in the early 2000s, they spread the game among local
villagers.
There were some local ethnic groups in Afghanistan; the most famous were Pashtuns, Tajiks,
Hazaras, and Uzbeks. The game quickly gained popularity among these ethnic groups. In 1995,
the Afghanistan Cricket Federation was formed, which became the Afghanistan Cricket Board
(ACB) later. Around 2003, Afghanistan became a member of the International Cricket Council.
Despite the small facilities, people started playing this sport as a passion in the open fields of
local villages.
Challenges Faced by Afghan Cricket
The path to the international arena was not smooth for the Afghan players. They have faced
many difficulties. The country has gone through wars, political problems, and terrorist attacks.
There was no stable and reliable government back then in this country. This imbalanced political
situation made it harder for structural development for this sport. Until 2010, there were fewer
than 10 proper grounds in the whole country. The lack of cricket fields and training centers
means players must go overseas. They travelled to neighboring countries like Pakistan, India,
and the United Arab Emirates for practice games.
There was not enough money, coaching, or good equipment. Afghanistan is a poor country. The
average income was around 500 USD in 2022. Because of this, the government could not invest
much in cricket. Players have to use their own money for hiring coaches, fixing grounds, buying
new equipment, and helping young players by giving some pocket money for good nutrition and
living.
One of the biggest problems is the situation of women's cricket. Due to cultural and political
barriers, women's cricket is not supported in this country. Since 2021, reigning the government
of the Taliban banned women's cricket. Women players flew from the country, and got shelter in
Australia and India. ICC is funding them to play matches.
Major Achievements in World Cricket
Even with this so many challenges, Afghan cricket has made a way to international arena with
some amazing progress. In 2009, Afghanistan national team got their ODI status. One year later,
they got their T20I status. Since then, this team has never looked back.
In 2015 they played their first ODI world cup. They managed to win over Scotland in that
tournament. In the 2023 world cup, they achieved a lot. They won against Pakistan, Sri Lanka,
and England, almost reaching the next round. They are going to play in the next champions
trophy in 2026, where previous world champions like Sri Lanka could not manage to play. This
shows their fine growth.
Afghanistan achieved their test status in 2017. Since then, they have played 11 matches and won
4 of them. They won against Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and Ireland. As a new test-playing nation,
their winning ratio is very impressive.
Afghanistan has mastered in the shortest format of the game. They played all over the globe in
different franchise leagues, like Indian Premier League, Big Bash League, etc. They have already
played in the semi-final of 2024 T20I World Cup, beating Bangladesh, Australia, and New
Zealand. Their players are highly rated in different domestic leagues. Afghanistan gained
popularity worldwide through this format.
Cricket’s Impact on Youth and Society
Cricket has had an incredibly positive effect on Afghan youth. Ten years ago, tribes were
fighting amongst them. But since cricket arrived, conditions have changed. They started playing
the game, which eventually united them, building friendly relations between tribes and clans.
They do not act like groups or clans; they now act like a country.
Youths are now raising themselves to build the country. Today, there are over 150 cricket clubs
in the country and more than 5000 young lads practice in different academies. Cricket gives
young people a goal in life, they have become disciplined. They are now away from violence and
bad influences. Not only in cricket, these youths are now engaging themselves in higher studies,
gaining popularity for their country in other sectors also.
When Afghanistan wins a match, people from all ethnic and religious groups celebrate together.
Cricket brings people closer and gives them a reason to feel proud of their country. When
Afghanistan beat Pakistan in 2023 world cup, there were big celebrations in cities like Kabul and
Jalalabad.
Conclusion
The rise of cricket in this country is a true success story. It started from refugee camps and grew
into a sport that brings the whole country together. It also opened the door for other sports.
Despite poverty, war, and lack of resources, Afghanistan has become one of the world's most
exciting cricket teams.
With continued support, better facilities, and more chances for everyone, especially women,
Afghan cricket can grow even more. Cricket has already become a symbol of peace and unity,
and it gives hope to millions of people in the country.
Resources:
1. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-world-cup-qualifiers-2009-384067/afghanistan-
vs-namibia-49th-match-super-eight-390249/match-report
2. https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/team/team-series-results/afghanistan-40/test-
matches-1
3. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-men-s-t20-world-cup-2024-
1411166/afghanistan-vs-bangladesh-52nd-match-super-eights-group-1-1415752/match-
photo
4. https://tradingeconomics.com/afghanistan/gdp-per-capita
5. https://www.espncricinfo.com/team/afghanistan-40
