World Cup success sparks Afghans' love for cricket

KABUL — In a central Kabul street, the sound of children playing was once mostly the scuff of a soccer ball against concrete. Now, it is punctuated with the crack of a cricket bat.

From pickup games in dusty parks or narrow alleys to high-intensity training at well-kitted academies, young Afghans have cricket fever — a trend spiked by the surprise performance of the Afghan national team at the recent ODI World Cup.

"I'm crazy for cricket," said 19-year-old Shamsullah Mangal, who trains at a privately funded academy, having been inspired to take up the sport by national team player Rashid Khan.

Since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, the sport has emerged as an arena of national unity, with the Afghanistan Cricket Board working hard to expand facilities, giving young players a route to potential sporting stardom.

"Cricket in Afghanistan has a shorter history compared to other countries, but Afghanistan has great natural talent," Mangal said.

"If players are supported and facilities are provided, we will see a great Afghan team in future."

Cricket was first popularized two decades ago, when refugees who fled war to established cricket-playing countries brought it home.

Now, the sport's popularity is skyrocketing.

"Afghanistan cricket is not just a sport anymore, it has turned into an industry," former cricket board CEO Lutfullah Stanikzai said.

But decades of war poses a major infrastructure challenge.

Even at the well-funded Mohammad Mirza Katawazai Cricket Center, trainees have to head to Pakistan when Kabul's harsh winter hits, as the club's indoor training facilities are still under construction.

With much stacked against the Afghan national squad, wins against several top teams in their most successful World Cup in November were all the sweeter.

"These days, only cricket represents us on the international stage and presents a good image of us," said Zeeshan Shaheir, another match attendee.

Senior officials in the Taliban government have embraced the national team's success, holding receptions for the players after tournaments and posting on social media to celebrate their victories.

The board has also been granted land to build a "huge" cricket complex in Kabul, with construction slated to start next year.

Agencies via Xinhua