Cricket

Afghanistan's T20I captain, Rashid Khan, has expressed his disappointment over Cricket Australia's decision to not play Afghanistan bilaterally due to human rights concerns. While acknowledging that sports should bring people together, Rashid emphasized that cricket is not the solution to political issues."We are sportsmen, and we love sports," Rashid said. "Cricket is the only source of happiness back home. If we keep that source away from us, I don't know where Afghanistan will remain."Rashid stressed that Afghanistan's cricketers are eager to play against any side, but they have no control over political decisions. "Some things are not under the control of anyone in cricket," he said. "Wish we could do something, and wish that was a kind of solution for it, we would have been happy."Rashid's comments come after Cricket Australia postponed a scheduled three-match T20I series with Afghanistan earlier this year. The decision was made due to "a marked deterioration in human rights for women and girls" in Afghanistan.Rashid had initially threatened to withdraw from the Big Bash League in 2023 in protest, but he later softened his stance and put his name up in the drafts. However, he was forced to miss the tournament through injury.Despite the disappointment, Rashid reiterated that Afghanistan's cricketers are grateful for the support they have received from fans around the world. "I have received so much love from everyone," he said. "Whenever I go to Australia for Big Bash, I think I have got so much love and support from the fans there."Rashid emphasized that cricket should not be used as a political tool. "Cricket is not the solution for politics," he said. "If there is another solution, you can take that. But don't think cricket is the solution of politics and things like that."

Afghanistan's historic victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup has ignited a surge of pride and joy among the nation's cricket fans. Skipper Rashid Khan hailed the triumph as a "massive" moment, marking a significant milestone in the team's journey.The victory was particularly poignant as it came after a period of setbacks for Afghanistan. In recent years, the team had struggled to find consistent success on the international stage. However, the T20 World Cup has provided a platform for them to showcase their talent and determination.Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran laid the foundation for Afghanistan's victory with impressive half-centuries. Their aggressive batting set the tone for the match, putting pressure on the Australian bowlers. However, it was the all-rounders who ultimately sealed the deal.Gulabdin Naib emerged as the star performer with a career-best bowling figure of 4/20. His accurate spin and clever variations proved too much for the Australian batsmen. Naib's performance highlighted the depth and versatility of Afghanistan's squad, which boasts several players capable of contributing with both bat and ball.Rashid Khan praised Naib's contribution, acknowledging the experience and skill he brought to the team. He also emphasized the importance of the victory for Afghanistan's cricket community, both at home and abroad."It's so important for us back home and around the world," said Rashid. "I'm sure they're proud and would've enjoyed the game."Naib, who was named Player of the Match, echoed Rashid's sentiments. He expressed his gratitude for the team's hard work and dedication, and vowed to continue their journey with the same determination."We beat Australia at last! It is a great achievement for Afghanistan cricket," said Naib. "We played great cricket in the last World Cup, and this year we beat New Zealand in the group stage. Our journey starts now."Australia's skipper, Mitchell Marsh, acknowledged that his team had an off day. He praised Afghanistan's performance and expressed confidence in his team's ability to bounce back."They probably got 20 too many. Lot of teams have bowled first in this tournament. Don't think it was won or lost at the toss. We had an off night on the field," said Marsh. "Wasn't the easiest of wickets but both teams played on it. As I said, we got outplayed today. We just need to win and there's no better team to do it against."Afghanistan's victory has sent shockwaves through the T20 World Cup and has established them as a force to be reckoned with. The team's combination of talent, determination, and all-round ability makes them a formidable opponent for any team.

The Afghanistan cricket team faced an unexpected dietary challenge during their stay in Bridgetown for the T20 World Cup Super Eights match against India. The absence of halal meat, a crucial component of their dietary requirements, at their hotel left them in a predicament.Accustomed to the abundant hospitality they experienced in India during the previous year's 50-over tournament, the Afghanistan team found themselves in a different situation. To address the issue, some team members took it upon themselves to temporarily assume the role of chefs.While halal meat is available in the Caribbean region, it is not guaranteed to be a standard offering at all hotels and restaurants. This lack of certainty posed a significant challenge for the Afghanistan team, who adhere to specific dietary guidelines."Halal meat is not available in our hotel. Sometimes we cook on our own or sometimes we go out. In the last World Cup in India, everything was perfect. Halal beef is an issue here," a player told PTI."We had it in St. Lucia but it is not there at all venues. A friend arranged it for us and we cooked on our own."Despite the dietary challenges, India secured a resounding 47-run victory against Afghanistan at the Kensington Oval on Thursday, marking a perfect beginning to their Super 8 campaign.The Super 8 stage presents a grueling schedule for the teams, requiring them to participate in three matches across various countries with just a single day for travel in between. Given the restricted air travel options available in these islands, the logistics pose a significant challenge.An additional Afghanistan team member highlighted that the demanding Super 8 schedule has also taken a toll on their team's readiness and preparations for the matches."There is uncertainty over flights and training schedule. We are often informed about it at the last minute. We understand that the organisers are doing their best considering logistical challenges, which are bigger in the Caribbean than anywhere else," he said.Afghanistan next face Australia in St Vincent on Saturday.Meanwhile, Indian fans continue to flock to the Caribbean to support their team. Despite the Kensington Oval being only partially filled during the India-Afghanistan match, a significant portion of the crowd donned the iconic blue jersey, proudly displaying their allegiance to the Indian side.The Caribbean's close proximity to the United States and Canada has facilitated the journey for Indian expatriates, allowing them to witness the matches in person. Additionally, Indians residing in the United Kingdom have embarked on the trans-Atlantic voyage to support their team."I have come here from Toronto. There was no direct connectivity so I went to Miami and then came to Barbados. I have tickets for all India games, I just want one for the final here," said Paresh.The Caribbean locals are also caught up in the excitement surrounding the event. Everyone, from the cab driver to the hotel's front desk manager, is engrossed in the tournament, hoping for the West Indies to clinch an unprecedented third championship.

Afghanistan's head coach, Jonathan Trott, exudes confidence ahead of his team's Super 8 clash against India in Bridgetown on Thursday. Trott believes that day games favor Afghanistan, and he is eager to face the formidable Indian squad.Afghanistan has impressed in the tournament so far, winning three of their four league games. Their only defeat came against West Indies. Trott dismisses the notion of Afghanistan being underdogs, emphasizing their progress and strong performances."We've had a lot of players playing a lot of T20 cricket around the world," Trott said. "It's about putting that together as a side. In the past, we've had some good individual players, but we need all those players playing together as a side."Traditionally known for their spin bowling, Afghanistan has showcased a more balanced attack in this tournament. Left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi has emerged as a standout performer, leading the tournament in wickets."We've got a lot of spinners with experience in T20 cricket," Trott said. "But one of our seamers is a leading wicket-taker in the tournament. We've seen a more rounded side over the last couple of years."Trott recalled the thrilling double Super Over match between India and Afghanistan in Bengaluru earlier this year. He believes it highlighted the narrowing gap between teams."What I take away from that match is we should have won it," Trott said. "But it also shows how the gap is closing with regards to our side. Our players have the ability to chase in T20 cricket."Afghanistan will face a stern test against India, one of the tournament favorites. However, Trott is confident in his team's abilities and believes they can challenge the Indian giants.

Afghanistan-Pakistan Rivalry: Intensity Surpasses India-Pakistan MatchesFormer India all-rounder Ajay Jadeja, who served as Afghanistan's mentor during the 2023 ODI World Cup, has revealed that the intensity between Afghanistan and Pakistan during matches is significantly higher than that of India and Pakistan.Jadeja recalled Afghanistan's historic eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the World Cup, describing the winning team's behavior as "bin piye sharaabi" (intoxicated without alcohol). Afghanistan chased down a target of 283 runs in 49 overs, securing their first-ever ODI win against Pakistan."That day, I witnessed players getting high without consuming alcohol," Jadeja said on Caught Behind.Jadeja's appointment as Afghanistan's mentor coincided with the team's historic victory. Ibrahim Zadran was named Player of the Match for his 87-run knock off 113 balls."When friends asked me how I felt, I told them to multiply the intensity of an India-Pakistan match by 10. Everyone is surprised when they hear this," Jadeja added.Former Pakistan player Rashid Latif echoed Jadeja's sentiments, recalling a similar experience when he coached Afghanistan at the 2023 Asian Games. "After Afghanistan's victory over Pakistan, I also saw players getting high without alcohol," Latif said.In the Asian Games semi-finals, Afghanistan defeated Pakistan by four wickets, chasing down a target of 116 runs with 13 balls to spare.In the ongoing T20 World Cup, Afghanistan is placed in Group C alongside West Indies, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand. Pakistan, meanwhile, is in Group A with India, Ireland, Canada, and the United States.

Ajay Jadeja's selfless mentorship played a pivotal role in Afghanistan's remarkable performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup. The former Indian star declined all financial compensation from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), prioritizing the team's success over personal gain."We repeatedly offered compensation, but Jadeja refused, stating that our success was his reward," said ACB CEO Naseeb Khan.Jadeja's guidance proved invaluable as Afghanistan stunned former champions England and Pakistan, along with a formidable Bangladesh side. Their journey ended at the hands of Glenn Maxwell's double century.Jadeja's illustrious career included 196 ODIs for India, amassing 5,359 runs with six centuries and 30 half-centuries. He also played 15 Tests, scoring 576 runs.Afghanistan's head coach, Jonathan Trott, hailed Jadeja's contribution, crediting him for transforming the team from "minnows" to a respected force.Jadeja's selfless act underscores his unwavering commitment to the sport and his belief in the potential of Afghanistan's cricketers. His mentorship has left an enduring legacy, inspiring the team to strive for greater heights.

Afghanistan's impressive run in the ongoing T20 World Cup, where they have secured a berth in the Super Eight stage, is a testament to the experience gained by their players in domestic and franchise cricket, according to captain Rashid Khan.After registering three consecutive wins in the group stage, Afghanistan became the second team from Group C to advance to the next round, following co-hosts West Indies. Khan praised his team's ability to adapt to different conditions, as evidenced by their seven-wicket victory against Papua New Guinea.Opting to bowl first, Afghanistan restricted PNG to a meager 95 runs in 19.5 overs, with Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq claiming three and two wickets, respectively. In the chase, Gulbadin Naib's unbeaten 49 guided Afghanistan to victory with 29 balls to spare."Our openers have given us solid starts in the last two games, and today was a chance for others to get some time in the middle," Khan said after the match. "We had a domestic competition before coming here, and everyone is in good form."Khan emphasized the importance of franchise cricket experience, which has allowed his players to familiarize themselves with different conditions. "Some of them have played at St Lucia and know how the pitch will play, which helps others," he said. "Everyone has the skill to adjust to any condition."The star spinner attributed Afghanistan's success to the collective efforts of the team. "It's a great feeling to qualify for the next round," he said. "The boys have put in a lot of effort since the first game. They know what they need to do and have executed it beautifully."Khan highlighted the contributions of wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz and pacer Farooqi. "It's important to have someone like Gurbaz who can take on the bowling or Farooqi who can pick up wickets in the powerplay," he said. "If the batter is attacking, then as a bowler, you have to attack too, especially with pitches helping you."Afghanistan will face West Indies in their final group stage encounter on June 17 in Tarouba.

Afghanistan's cricket team continues to make history, stunning New Zealand by 84 runs in the 2024 T20 World Cup. The victory adds to Afghanistan's impressive recent record, which includes wins over England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.Chasing 160 after Rahmanullah Gurbaz's brilliant 80, New Zealand's batting collapsed. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Rashid Khan decimated the Kiwi lineup, taking four wickets each. Mohammad Nabi also contributed with two wickets.Experts and fans hailed Afghanistan's performance. Former India batsman Wasim Jaffer praised their "top notch professional display," while former New Zealand cricketer Mitchell McClenaghan humorously tweeted, "How do I report a murder in Guyana?"Afghanistan's win puts them in a strong position in Group C, with four points and a healthy net run rate of +5.2. They next face Papua New Guinea on June 14, while New Zealand takes on West Indies on June 13.Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja, who worked with Afghanistan as a mentor during the 2023 Cricket World Cup, praised the team's character. "They are very special people as human beings," said Jadeja.Irfan Pathan, a winner of the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, believes Afghanistan's batting holds the key to their success. "If their batting clicks regularly, they can be a very dangerous side in this World Cup," tweeted Pathan.Afghanistan's victory is a testament to their growing strength in international cricket. They have consistently punched above their weight, and their recent performances suggest that they are capable of even greater achievements.

Afghanistan's cricket team has emerged as a formidable force in recent years, with their bowlers, particularly their spinners, playing a pivotal role in their success. However, their captain, Rashid Khan, believes that their batting has now reached a level where they can confidently chase down targets of 200 in T20Is."In the past, we struggled a bit in batting," Rashid admitted ahead of Afghanistan's T20 World Cup 2024 opener against Uganda. "Our bowlers had to do a lot more to help us win games."However, the emergence of young batters from the Under-19 ranks has transformed Afghanistan's batting lineup. "They've worked hard and gained valuable experience playing in leagues around the world," Rashid explained. "Now, we have a batting lineup that can handle targets of 200 on any wicket."Rashid emphasized the importance of mindset in T20 cricket. "As long as you have the right mindset and believe you can do it, anything is possible," he said. "We've played enough cricket in recent years to improve our skills and challenge the opposition."Afghanistan and Uganda are placed in Group C alongside West Indies, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Experts predict that Afghanistan could be among the top two teams to advance to the Super 8s. But can they go even further and reach the semi-finals?"We've been mentioned as a potential semi-finalist," Rashid acknowledged. "We take that as a positive sign. It's a big thing for us to be considered among the top four."However, Rashid remains cautious. "We don't look too far ahead," he said. "We focus on one game at a time and see how it goes. We came close to reaching the semi-finals of the last ODI World Cup, and that's where we started to believe that nothing is impossible for us."Afghanistan arrived in the Caribbean early for a two-week preparatory camp ahead of the World Cup. Many of their players have experience playing on these pitches during the CPL."Our preparation has been great so far," Rashid said. "We had a domestic T20 competition that helped us prepare as a team. We also had two weeks here to acclimatize.""We have players who played in the CPL and shared their experiences," Rashid added. "But in ICC events, you always expect something different. You have to react to the wicket's behavior."