The relations between neighboring nations India and Afghanistan have always been moderate. But their cricketing relations have grown into something far deeper than just a conventional sporting rivalry.
Over years, India has provided Afghanistan with exposure and opportunities, and recently, it also provided it with a venue to host a series, helping them develop its cricket. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Afghan players have found a second home of sorts through the IPL and the country’s passionate cricket audience.
The bond was clearly visible during the recently concluded three-game T20I series, and especially the ‘Koh-E-Zafar’ hosted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board on September 16 in New Delhi. The event brought together officials and players from both countries ahead of the final T20I of the series. The event featured exchange of gifts, giggles and an interactive season between players from both sides. Not only this, but yesterday, following India’s clean sweep over the rivals, ‘visiting’ skipper Shreyas Iyer invited Ibrahim Zadran to collect the trophy as well as pose for the group picture.
Afghanistan’s Cricket Journey Began Across the Border
Afghanistan’s cricket journey has an interesting connection with Pakistan. During the civil war in the 1990s, many Afghans took refuge in Pakistan and were exposed to cricket and its culture. The Afghanistan Cricket Board was eventually formed in Pakistan in 1995, while the country got the recognition of an ICC member in 2001 and joined the Asian Cricket Council in 2003. With its steady progress, the country received the ODI status in 2009 before eventually becoming a full ICC member and gaining Test status in 2017.
How India Became Afghanistan’s Cricketing Home
One of the most defining chapters in the relationship between India and Afghanistan came when India opened its facilities for Afghan cricket. In 2016, Afghanistan started to use the Greater Noida International Cricket Stadium as a home venue. It allowed Afghan players to access Indian facilities and brought them closer to some of the greatest cricketers in the world. The team later moved bases to other Indian venues including Dehradun and Lucknow.
Another landmark came in June 2018 when Afghanistan played its first-ever Test match against India at Bengaluru’s M.Chinnaswamy Stadium.
IPL Brought Another Landmark in India-Afghanistan Relations
Following the development of infrastructure for Afghanistan cricket, the Indian Premier League created a personal connection between the players from two countries. The cash-rich league not only offered Afghanistan stars exposure, but also provided them with the opportunity to understand the high-pressure situations and different approaches.
Why Indian Fans have Embraced Afghanistan
The relationship between India and Afghanistan isn’t only restricted to dressing rooms and cricket boards. During the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, Afghanistan received unusually strong backing from Indian fans. Their impressive campaign, which included a win over England helped them win over a large section of the home crowd. In addition, a few match scenarios also gave Indian fans another reason to follow the games closely.
But, the affection has not been restricted to tournaments. There have been many instances when Afghanistan players have acknowledged the warmth and reception they have received in India. This is not it. Both the countries still enjoy a rivalry and competitiveness.
During the three-game series in New Delhi, while the ‘visiting’ side dominated the hosts, Ibrahim Zadran gave them a tough competition, pulling multiple attempts to make a comeback in the game.
