Odyssey of self-discovery: Why the cricket world needs to fully embrace Afghanistan

In sharp contrast to various sports like football or athletics, cricket does not exactly welcome newcomers. The underlying reason behind the sense of scepticism emanates from the difficulty of coming to terms with the game’s intricacies, especially for those who have not risen through the ranks on the back of solid technical foundation.

The inadequacy of the International Cricket Council (ICC) cannot be the sole begrudging reason behind cricket’s lack of expansion beyond the Commonwealth and its fundamental powers. The game is structured in such a way that outsiders invariably find it difficult to coerce the attention towards them.

On a pertinent note, Afghanistan’s arrival as a viable cricket team is a story that makes one sit up and take notice. Unlike those motley crews of the vast majority of the other Associate nations, their journey has been built around a bunch of home-grown players whose dedication to the team’s cause is unwavering even at the face of turbulence.

Not too long ago, they were wading through the divisional rungs of World Cricket League (WCL). From taking on the likes of Jersey at an obscure ground in a fifth division game during 2008, Afghanistan have now graduated to hosting Full Members at a blossoming stadium in their adopted home of Greater Noida. But, are they getting enough international cricket to hone their skills and become better with each game?

Not just a game of bat and ball

Players like Mohammad Shahzad possess a certain charm in their game

For Afghanistan, cricket is not just a game between bat and ball. It’s a form of expression that captures the tranquillity of joy. Having absorbed the maiden brushes in make-shift grounds as well as refugee camps, their tryst has been built on avidity rather than assiduity.

The country is plagued by political instability as well as financial uncertainty. Yet, when they take the field, the Afghan cricketers envisage a dream sustained by hope. The zeal inside them often fills the stadium with uninhibited enchantment.

It does not come across as any surprise that the core of their game stems from the other side of the Khyber Pass. Pakistan’s archetypical flamboyance and nonchalance have helped carve a niche for themselves in the global scene. A melange of naturally attacking batsmen, quirky spinners and brash fast bowlers combine together to concoct a delicious display of entertaining cricket.

Ironically, the modern-day Pakistan team has inexplicably shifted towards a sedate batting approach and traded exuberance for patience in the bowling department at a time when Afghanistan are furthering their ambition. Perhaps, a Zarbul Masalha proverb can explain the delicacy of the situation.

22 of their previous 25 ODIs were against Zimbabwe, Ireland and Scotland. Possessing the necessary ingredients to charm and compete, the Afghans deserve a regular diet of international matches against the higher-ranked sides. Experiencing the thrust in momentum at critical moments will hold them in good stead if and when they receive the coveted Test status.

Seeking eternal bliss

Rashid Khan’s skills should be a welcome addition to the idyllic setting of Test cricket

In cricket, Test status is not just seen as the opportunity to play the highest format of the game but also an entry into the realms of veneration. Following their crushing victory against Ireland at the end of March, Afghanistan secured top spot in ICC’s Intercontinental Cup. If all goes to plan, a 4-match face-off against the bottom-ranked Test side (currently Zimbabwe) beckons in their bid to gain ultimate recognition.

The challenge will only begin when they get there. As evidenced by Bangladesh’s well-documented struggles from the moment of joining the Test fold till the early part of this decade, climbing up can be an arduous task. However, the Lankan example during the late 80s and early 90s suggests that the process can also grant succour as long as the proper pathway is entailed.

Among the major reasons behind Sri Lanka’s quicker proficiency of the red-ball format lay in a relatively robust domestic structure dating back to the days of yore. Since Afghanistan’s primary regional competition was awarded the first-class status only this year, the standards have not been set yet.

Extra Cover: 5 reasons why Afghanistan deserve Test status at the earliest

In its current state, the Ahmad Shah Abdali tournament might not be enough for the upcoming players who aspire to rub shoulders with the best in the business. It might not hurt if the leading Asian boards in Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) allow some of the most propitious Afghan players to participate in their respective first-class events in order to gain vital experience.

Factoring into account every permutation and combination, the procedure to juxtapose next to the big ticket teams can be a long-drawn one. If Afghanistan were to become a shining light in the battle against the pessimists, then they need to be allowed to extend and enrich the game.

“And what he greatly thought, he nobly dared.” Afghanistan’s meteoric rise bears a strong resemblance to Homer’s immortal words in Odyssey. Devoid of an established structure back home, they have battled long odds and emerged as one of the most promising teams in the fledgeling arena. It’s time for the powers that be to keep the flames alive by helping them assimilate completely into the cricket world.