World cup is the pinnacle of limited over cricket. Thought being dominated by few famous big players, some of the small and young nations are also aspiring to be in the world league of cricket. World cup is considered a source of pride in the cricketing
world. Strenuous efforts have been put in to get the recognition for being eligible to get into the world cup and to compete against the finest players in cricket. The story of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Germany-c2904 and other countries are quite unique.
However, given the dangling economy, inadequate infrastructure and most of all, lack of security, the story of the pursuit of Afghanistan team players to get into the world league is different and unique from all the other stories.
Being an Associate Team, Afghanistan has at times stunned the world of cricket by securing place in World Twenty20 Cup. Thought it was not able to qualify for the World Cup 2011, it did qualify World Cricket League Division Four along with jersey. Even though
Afghanistan has not been able to get into the world league, yet, given their culture of turbulent past, their efforts are appreciable. Their “blind faith” in their abilities to achieve something tangible for their country is commendable. Their excitement knew
no bounds when they were competing against a tougher side. The idea of them playing in lush green grounds without the fear of Taliban is very “strange” to them.
Most of the players were either not born in Afghanistan or were not raised in Afghanistan. They have seen their country torn apart by the Russian invasion and its face tarnished by mines set by the local warlords. They still have vague memories of the tenure
when Taliban banned playing all games in the country. All the cricket lovers’ youth have their memories as playing cricket in the streets of Pakistani towns and on the outskirts of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Afghanistan-c745 border. Streets and fields have been their training academies.
Only few have been trained in Pakistan Cricket Club. They are used to living simple lives with few luxuries. They are mentally tough, their effort driven by “blind faith” in their victory without regard to their opponent. They take defeats personally and victories
seriously. Representing the softer side of their country in the international arena, watching their flag hoisted among the world of cricket playing nations is symbol of honor for them and source of pride for their country men.
Because of the chaos prevailing in the country, most of these players saw up to the Pakistan cricket heroes because of their familiarity with Pakistani culture and language. Some of them termed Imran Khan as their “ideal cricketer” for their careers. Now
they are the pioneers of cricket in their own country. They want to capitalize on this chance to become on of the most respected players for their discipline, talent and faith in cricket.
Even minor victories mean a lot to them as a team and as a nation. When they team returned after qualifying through division four, they were dumbfounded by the applause they received from their countrymen. Men in local costumes lined to welcome them and
expressed their support for their efforts. It made them proud and asked them to want for more.
The support of cricket is present. It is exhibited by the ubiquitously observable phenomena of cricket in streets and fields. Youth in their early teens and twenties played cricket enthusiastically without regard to Cast or Creed. What is needed on our part
is to give them the recognition for their efforts. International Cricket Committee should arrange for more tournaments to promote cricket in this part of the world. Given enough resources, cricket Bat can substitute the Kalashnikovs and this game can become
instrumental for routing out terrorism. Cricket can become a solution to the heroin stricken part of the society of this country.
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