Rise of a new cricketing nation

Dreams do come true; but realization of dreams at a pace as swift as cricket in Afghanistan is an impressive and rare illustration for the rest of the world. Emergence of Afghanistan as a cricketing nation amidst the downfall of countries like Zimbabwe is a progressive sign for the gentleman’s game. One in a million would have ever expected Afghanistan to manufacture anything other than terrorists and refugees, but the recent success of the Afghanistan national cricket team is remarkable. The success has not come due to a magical spell, but the results are really magical. The tale of Afghans discovering the true love for game is unbelievable. They have grown bit by bit in the last two years overcoming all the hardships caused because of the war, such as lack of sponsorship and security issues.

Their rise from division five to division one in the the world cricket league is striking. In the recent years, they have dominated the associates and the affiliate nations in the four-day format and have emerged as a decent cricketing side.

In 2010, they made their way through the T20 World Cup, but failed to qualify for the ODI World Cup in 2011. Even in the matches they lost, they still managed to win the hearts of the cricket fans by exhibiting a reasonable game of cricket. The momentous juncture came this year when they played an ODI against Pakistan – their first ODI against a full-time Test playing nation. Although they lost, focusing on the result would mean completely missing what they taught the cricketing world. This match could be considered as a landmark in their journey of rising to the topmost level in cricket. As they have qualified for the T20 World Cup 2012, cricket lovers have their hopes raised. Although they will enter the tournament as underdogs, this team is surely the one to look out for.

Lots of expectations are attached to the Afghan team, hoping that they will take small steps to rise to the top rather than fantasizing about the overnight success. In this way they will be able to show the world what they are and what they can do.

The new culture of cricket in Afghanistan will prove as a tool to bring peace and harmony in the war-hit nation.