Peace Through Cricket In Afghanistan

In recent past Afghanistan cricket team won Asian Cricket Council under 19 Elite Cup. This is an indication that cricket has been prevailed as mega game among the youth of Afghanistan. The cricket of Afghanistan had come into existence in the refugees camps of Afghanistan in Pakistan.  Therefore, Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and Javed Miadad were there heroes in those days. Afghans youths used ‘Ball’ made of cloth and a piece of wood as ‘Bat’ in these refugees’ camps.  Later on most of them returned to their homeland and started playing cricket in Afghanistan. Meanwhile Taliban government stopped them from playing all type of western games including cricket. But love for cricket in the soul of Afghan’s youth made Taliban to allow them for playing cricket. So, Taliban allowed them to play cricket in only in their national dress. Resultantly Afghan cricket board came into existence. In 2000 1^st Afghan cricket team was formed.

In this commercial world, sponsorship and internal worst situation of security is a big hurdle in progress of cricket in Afghanistan, but due to their traditional spirit, Afghan youths are fighting hard against these hurdles. Induction of Afghan team in T20 world cup 2010 was a hallmark for the bright future of Afghanistan cricket. Although they did not win any match but they played reasonably well against big teams.

Lot of expectations are there from Afghan team, hope that they will use the game of gentlemen ‘cricket’ as tolerance promoter tool and will prevail harmony, love and brotherhood among the war troubled people of Afghanistan through the spirit of cricket.