Afghan cricket fans flocked to the Kabul International Cricket Stadium in droves to witness the return of their national heroes to the domestic T20 league. Basit Wali Hotak, a student from Kandahar, embarked on an overnight journey to catch a glimpse of his idol, Rashid Khan.
The Shpageeza T20 league has ignited a renewed passion for cricket in Afghanistan, a country that has found solace in the sport amidst decades of conflict. Thousands of fans, including Hotak, endured long journeys and spent their hard-earned money to witness the stars in action.
Despite the absence of Khan and other top players in the match between the Speenghar Tigers and Mis-e-Ainak Knights, the crowd erupted in cheers when the Afghan captain appeared in the dugout. The stadium reverberated with chants of “heroes, long live heroes” as fans expressed their admiration for their national team.
Former captain Mohammad Nabi took to the pitch, facing off against his son, Hassan Eisakhil, in a heartwarming moment. The presence of Afghan national players in the league has raised hopes that international teams may return to Afghanistan, a prospect that would further boost the country’s cricket culture.
“If they (national players) play games here, the international teams will also come to play here, because it shows security has been ensured,” said 19-year-old Abdul Ahad.
For fans like Kamil Shah Mashal, who traveled hours from Khost, cricket provides a much-needed escape from the challenges facing Afghanistan. “I don’t see any other reason for young people to be happy in the current situation because of the crises that have made some of them flee the country,” he said. “It’s only cricket left that keeps us happy.”
The return of national players to the domestic league has not only reignited the passion for cricket but also instilled a sense of hope and pride in Afghan fans. As the country navigates its future, the sport continues to serve as a beacon of unity and a source of joy for its people.
