Cricket

Cricket Australia (CA) remains steadfast in its decision to withhold bilateral cricket matches with Afghanistan due to the Taliban government's stance on women's rights. CA CEO Nick Hockley emphasized that ongoing discussions with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) have not yielded sufficient progress.Despite withdrawing from three bilateral series with Afghanistan, Australia has continued to face the team at ICC events. Following Afghanistan's historic victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup, Usman Khawaja and Rashid Khan expressed contrasting views on CA's stance.Hockley acknowledged Afghanistan's impressive performance in the tournament but reiterated CA's commitment to human rights. He stated that the decision to postpone bilateral matches was made after extensive consultations with stakeholders, including the Australian government.CA maintains regular dialogue with the ACB and hopes to resume bilateral cricket in the future. However, the organization emphasizes the need for progress on women's rights.Meanwhile, 17 Afghanistan women players have appealed to the ICC for assistance in establishing a refugee team based in Australia. Hockley acknowledged the request and indicated that it would be discussed at upcoming ICC meetings.Hockley also confirmed that Australia is eager to host Bangladesh's men's team in the next FTP cycle. Bangladesh last played Tests in Australia in 2003 and a bilateral ODI series in 2008.

Afghanistan's historic journey in the T20 World Cup 2024 culminated in a bittersweet semi-final defeat to South Africa. Despite securing their maiden semi-final berth, the Afghan team expressed disappointment and a determination to improve.Head coach Jonathan Trott acknowledged the challenges of playing back-to-back matches with limited rest, but emphasized that it was not an excuse for their performance. He praised the team's resilience and fighting spirit throughout the tournament, but admitted that they were outplayed in the semi-final.Trott highlighted the need for the batters to learn from the experience and develop strategies for playing on difficult pitches against strong bowling attacks. He emphasized that the team's overall achievement should not be overshadowed by the semi-final defeat, but that it should serve as a catalyst for improvement.The Afghan players expressed a sense of hurt and disappointment after the loss. They acknowledged the sacrifices made by the entire team and felt that they had not given a good account of themselves. However, they remained proud of their accomplishments and vowed to work on their weaknesses.Trott emphasized the importance of identifying reliable batters who can consistently deliver in pressure situations. He expressed confidence that the team could become more competitive in the future by addressing these areas of improvement.

The Afghanistan cricket team's remarkable run in the T20 World Cup 2024 came to a crashing halt in the semi-final against South Africa. After reaching the last four on the back of impressive performances, Afghanistan produced a dismal batting display, scoring a mere 56 runs, the lowest total in the history of T20 World Cup semi-finals.Former England captain Michael Vaughan has attributed Afghanistan's poor performance to the scheduling of the tournament, which he believes gave the team insufficient time to prepare for the crucial match. Vaughan highlighted that Afghanistan had to endure a four-hour flight delay to Trinidad after qualifying for the semi-final in St. Vincent, leaving them with no time to practice or acclimatize to the new venue.Vaughan expressed his disappointment on social media, stating that the lack of preparation time for Afghanistan was "an utter lack of respect to players." He further suggested that the semi-final should have been played in Guyana, but the scheduling was altered to favor India."Surely this Semi should have been the Guyana one... but because the whole event is geared towards India, it's so unfair on others," Vaughan tweeted.Afghanistan's dismal performance against South Africa has raised questions about the fairness of the tournament's scheduling. Critics argue that the tournament should be structured to provide all teams with equal opportunities to prepare for crucial matches.Meanwhile, India is set to face England in the second semi-final on June 27. India has been in impressive form throughout the tournament and will be looking to secure a place in the final.

Afghanistan's historic journey to the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 semifinals has been a testament to their unwavering determination and remarkable progress in the shortest format of the game. Led by the charismatic Rashid Khan, the Afghan team has overcome formidable challenges and emerged as a force to be reckoned with.Their path to the semifinals has been marked by impressive victories over top-ranked teams like New Zealand and former world champions Australia. In the group stage, Afghanistan showcased their resilience and adaptability, bouncing back from a disappointing loss to the West Indies with a series of convincing wins.As they prepare to face South Africa in the semifinals, the Afghan team is brimming with confidence and eager to make history. Rashid Khan, in a heartfelt message to his supporters, urged them to rally behind the team as they embark on this momentous occasion.Afghanistan's journey to the semifinals has been a source of inspiration for cricket fans around the world. Their success is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief in one's abilities. The team's unwavering spirit and determination have made them a symbol of hope and resilience for their nation.The semifinal match against South Africa promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams possessing the talent and experience to reach the final. Afghanistan will rely on their spin-bowling prowess, led by Rashid Khan, while South Africa will look to their explosive batting lineup to secure victory.Regardless of the outcome, Afghanistan's performance in the T20 World Cup has been a resounding success. They have proven that they belong among the elite teams in the world and have set a new benchmark for their cricketing future.

Dwayne Bravo, the bowling consultant for the Afghanistan cricket team, has played a pivotal role in the team's recent success at the T20 World Cup. Despite Afghanistan's rollercoaster ride in the tournament, Bravo's quiet presence has been a constant, guiding the team's pace-bowling unit to new heights.Captain Rashid Khan, a white-ball legend, may not require much coaching, but Bravo's expertise has been invaluable to the team's bowlers. Left-arm pacer Fazhalhaq Farooqi remains the tournament's leading wicket-taker, but it was medium pacer Gulbadin Naib's 4-20 against Australia that sealed Afghanistan's victory. Naveen-ul-Haq's 4-26 against Bangladesh, including the crucial wickets of Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, also bore Bravo's signature.Bravo's influence is evident in the subtle changes of pace, the deceptive short-ball bluff followed by a full delivery, and the ability to bowl the wide yorker. These are techniques that Bravo mastered throughout his illustrious career with the West Indies and Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.Now retired from the IPL, Bravo continues to impart his knowledge to the Afghan bowlers, drawing on his deep understanding of West Indian conditions. Head coach Jonathan Trott provides the team with passion and insider knowledge, while Bravo's input complements their efforts.Afghanistan's bowling unit, once lacking the experience to close out games, has benefited immensely from Bravo's guidance. In the past, their inexperience led to their downfall, as evidenced by Glenn Maxwell's 201 not out against them in the ODI World Cup."You need to have those people who remind you of the things you need to do," said Rashid Khan. "In the heat of the game, they forget the things that were planned for a specific batsman and DJ is always there to remind them what we had planned and what we are doing."As Afghanistan prepares to face South Africa in the semifinal in Bravo's home ground of Trinidad and Tobago, his knowledge of the conditions will be invaluable. The team's success in the tournament is a testament to Bravo's coaching prowess and the impact he has had on the Afghan bowlers.

Afghanistan's remarkable journey in international cricket has captivated the hearts of fans worldwide. In the recent T20 World Cup, they emerged as the second favorite team, a testament to their thrilling brand of cricket and the spirit of togetherness within the team.Their success is not merely a result of their recent history of war and human suffering, but also of the joy and hope they bring to the field. With two bowlers in the world's Top 10 and a batter in the Top 15, Afghanistan has proven to be a formidable force.Their victory over Bangladesh in the semifinals was a testament to their determination and skill. They claimed ten wickets, avoiding any reliance on rain or dubious cramps. This victory secured their place in the semifinals, where they will face one of the top three teams they have yet to defeat.However, the World Cup is already a triumph for Afghanistan. "Cricket is the only source of happiness back home," said skipper Rashid Khan. Their success on the field has brought joy to their war-torn nation, giving players a sense of purpose and achievement.Beyond the statistics and victories, Afghanistan's cricket team has highlighted the transformative power of sport. It has shown that even in the face of adversity, hope and unity can prevail. The team's growth has also demonstrated the importance of sport in fostering a sense of national pride and identity.Afghanistan's journey in the T20 World Cup has been a reminder of the human spirit's resilience and the power of sport to inspire and unite. Their success is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Afghan people and the transformative power of cricket.

Afghanistan's remarkable journey in the ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2024 culminated in a historic triumph over Bangladesh, securing their first-ever berth in the semifinals. The match, played in Kingstown on June 24, witnessed a thrilling contest between the two sides.Chasing a modest target of 116 set by Afghanistan, Bangladesh's batting lineup crumbled under the guile of captain Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq. The openers, Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto, were dismissed cheaply, followed by the experienced Shakib Al Hasan. Litton Das, the lone warrior for Bangladesh, played a valiant knock of 54 not out, but his efforts proved futile as wickets fell around him.Rashid Khan, the Afghan spin wizard, was the tormentor-in-chief, claiming four wickets for just 23 runs in his 10-ball spell. Naveen-ul-Haq, the fast bowler, also chipped in with four wickets for 26 runs, strangling the Bangladesh middle and lower order.Earlier, Afghanistan's innings got off to a sedate start as openers Rahmanuttlah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran struggled to find their rhythm. The Bangladesh bowlers bowled with discipline, restricting the Afghan batsmen to 59 runs in the first 10.4 overs. However, Rashid Khan's late cameo of 19 runs off just 10 balls propelled Afghanistan to a respectable total of 115 for 5.With this victory, Afghanistan not only secured their place in the semifinals but also eliminated Australia from the tournament. It is a testament to the team's resilience and determination, having overcome several challenges throughout the competition.

Australia's Test stalwart Usman Khawaja has expressed his disappointment over Afghanistan's inability to play in Australia, despite Afghanistan's historic 2024 T20 World Cup victory over his team.Earlier this year, Cricket Australia (CA) canceled a bilateral series against Afghanistan due to the country's "marked deterioration" in the treatment of women and children under the Taliban regime. The decision left the Afghanistan cricketers perplexed, but Khawaja hailed them as an inspiration.In response to a tweet by Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan celebrating their 21-run win over Australia, Khawaja tweeted: "Well done Brother. Better team on the day. You boys are an inspiration for so many back home and abroad. So sad we can't see you all play in Australia."CA had canceled a planned bilateral series against Afghanistan in 2023 and 2024 due to the Taliban's restrictions on women's education and access to public spaces.In the 2024 T20 World Cup, Afghanistan needed a win to stay alive and posted a total of 148. Australia's opening pair failed to deliver, and despite Glenn Maxwell's efforts, Afghanistan's Gulbadin Naib emerged as the hero with four wickets.Afghanistan bundled out Australia for 127, securing their first T20 World Cup victory over the Aussies. If Afghanistan defeats Bangladesh in their final Super 8 clash and Australia loses to India, Afghanistan will advance to the semifinals.Khawaja's comments highlight the complex relationship between sports and politics. While CA's decision was based on human rights concerns, it has deprived Australian fans of the opportunity to witness the rise of Afghanistan's talented cricket team.

Afghanistan's cricket team continues to make waves in the international arena, recently achieving a historic victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup 2024. This triumph has sparked widespread praise and admiration, but it has also raised questions about the integrity of the Afghan team's performance against India.Some critics have suggested that Afghanistan's players may be influenced by the lucrative contracts they can earn by playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, veteran Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly refuted these allegations.In response to a tweet by a Pakistani journalist implying that Afghanistan's performance against India is compromised by IPL contracts, Ashwin expressed his annoyance and asserted his right to control who enters his social media timeline. He stated that he should not be obligated to block individuals who make such baseless accusations.Afghanistan's impressive run in the T20 World Cup has included victories over New Zealand and Australia. They now face Bangladesh in the Super 8s, with a win potentially securing their place in the semi-finals. However, Bangladesh's progression also depends on India defeating Australia in their final match.Afghanistan's success has been attributed to their talented players and the leadership of Rashid Khan. The team's ability to adapt to different conditions and execute their game plans effectively has been key to their recent victories.Despite the allegations of bias, Afghanistan's performance on the field has been commendable. They have shown determination, skill, and a strong team spirit. Their victory over Australia is a testament to their growing stature in world cricket.