From the Ashes to the Pitch: Afghanistan's Cricketing Odyssey
Dr. Manoj Verman
Tunnelling & Rock Engineering Expert, Rocscience Representative and President, ISRM Commission on Hard Rock Excavation
In the heart of Central Asia, where the rugged mountains have witnessed decades of turmoil and where echoing gunshots often drowned out voices of hope, an unlikely narrative was unfolding. Amidst the ruins and reverberations of war, a band of young Afghans emerged, wielding cricket bats instead of weapons, stitching together a narrative of triumph in the face of adversity.
Afghanistan, a land more synonymous with conflict headlines than sporting achievements, has carved a niche for itself on the global cricketing stage. And today, as their cricketers clinched a historic win against the defending world champions, England, they didn't just score runs; they scored a victory for every Afghan who dared to dream.
Beginnings in Refugee Camps: Many of Afghanistan's cricketing talents first held a bat or spun a ball in refugee camps across the border. In these makeshift playfields, dreams were sown. The early 2000s marked a structural effort with the formation of the Afghanistan Cricket Federation, a beacon signalling their cricketing aspirations.
A Soaring Trajectory: From these rudimentary beginnings, their ascent was nothing short of cinematic. Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, among others, became household names, turning heads and turning matches. Their meteoric rise through the ICC tiers was not just a sporting success but a statement of their spirit.
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World Cup Chronicles: While their 2015 World Cup entry heralded their arrival, today's monumental victory over England in the heart of Delhi is akin to a phoenix rising. Against a backdrop of past traumas and a 14-match losing streak, their win is symbolic of their resilience.
Today's Victory: A Tapestry of Emotions: The match showcased their flair and finesse. Gurbaz's defiant 80, juxtaposed with the guile of bowlers like Mujeeb and Rashid, painted a canvas of strategic brilliance. The final score wasn't just a figure; it was the heartbeat of a nation pulsating with pride.
Future Horizons: Afghanistan's cricketing journey is a testament to the nation's unyielding spirit. From the harsh terrains of their homeland to the lush greens of international stadiums, their saga resonates with passion, hope, and the undying Afghan spirit.
Former Scientist (Engineering geophysics), CWPRS, Govt of India, Geophysical Technical Expert, National Dam Safety Authority, Govt of India, Member Global Subcommittee NSTS, SEG, Technical Review Subcommittee, GWB, SEG
1 年Really great team against all odds ??????
Director at Geological Survey of India
1 年Congratulations a match which may script a new dawn of cricket ?? for the world....their talent is awe inspiring and change equations in future cricket