Taliban Thanks India and BCCI for Boosting Afghanistan Cricket as Team Reaches T20 World Cup 2024 Semifinals
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The Taliban thanked India and the BCCI on Tuesday for their continuing assistance in the development of Afghan cricket after the men’s team advanced to the semifinals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies.
Afghanistan made history by defeating Australia and Bangladesh to advance to the ICC tournament’s knockout stages.
BCCI’s role in the rise of Afghan cricket
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Additionally, since 2015 the men’s team in India has had access to training facilities provided by the BCCI.
Afghanistan has used Greater Noida, Dehradun, and Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium as its “home” venues. Because of the ongoing wars in Afghanistan, they do not play their home matches there.
Indian govt helps build stadium in Kandahar
The Indian government also made a $1 million contribution to assist in building the Kandahar Cricket Stadium.
India’s role in Afghanistan’s progress in international cricket was therefore praised by the Taliban, who control the war-torn nation.
“We appreciate India’s ongoing assistance in helping the Afghan Cricket Team develop its capabilities. Suhail Shaheen, the Head of the Political Office for the Taliban, told WION, “We truly appreciate that.
After Afghanistan’s victory over Bangladesh, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi even called Afghanistan’s captain, Rashid Khan, to congratulate him on the team’s incredible World Cup performance.
Now, on June 27, Afghanistan will play South Africa in the first semifinal match, and in the second match that same day, India will play the reigning champions, England.
Afghanistan into the T20 World Cup Semi-Final
Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh by eight runs (DLS) in their last Super Eight match on Tuesday in St. Vincent, moving them closer to the semi-finals of the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup. Australia was eliminated from the competition as Afghanistan and India qualified from Group 1.
Bangladesh also had a chance to advance or guarantee Australia’s triumph.
But the Afghans got the win they needed to set up their first World Cup semi-final against South Africa in Trinidad on Thursday, bowling Bangladesh out for 105.
As it happened in Afghanistan vs Bangladesh
Afghanistan’s victory was secured by a determined bowling performance by Naveen-ul-Haq, who contributed 4-26 and skipper Rashid Khan, who played a crucial role with 4-23. Afghanistan’s hopes were initially dashed when they were able to manage a modest 115/5 in their first innings.