Afghanistan appeals for more cricket as historic match starts in India

KABUL:  Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said on Thursday the national cricket team was a source of pride to the war-ravaged country as it took on India in a historic first test match and he urged other cricketing nations to take on the team.

Awarded full member status by the International Cricket Council (ICC) alongside Ireland last year, Afghanistan became the 12th test-playing nation after first being recognized by the ICC in 2001. 

 

“This is yet another poignant example of the everlasting friendship between India and Afghanistan,” Ghani said in a statement.

“We also request other test cricketing nations to arrange regular series with Afghanistan.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he hoped the match could bring the South Asian neighbors closer together. Indian Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore shook hands with Afghan players before the match and read out a congratulatory statement from Modi.

Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai was presented with a memento from former India all-rounder Salim Durrani, who was born in Kabul before the match began.

India has offered Afghanistan the use of two of its stadiums to host matches with other countries. India donates hundreds of cricketing kits to young players and has plans to build small pitches in major districts of Afghanistan.

“The historic friendship and relations between India and Afghanistan go back to centuries. I’m glad that cricket is now added as another layer,” Afghanistan Cricket Board chairman Atif Mashal said in January when the date and venue of the match were announced.

In Kabul, diplomats from cricket-playing nations and Afghan officials gathered at the Indian embassy to watch the cricket.

“This match is a result of immense goodwill and solidarity between the two countries,” one senior diplomat said.