Confidence in the Face of Challenge
Afghanistan’s cricket team is brimming with confidence as they prepare to take on South Africa in the Champions Trophy. Mohammad Shahidi, a key figure for the team, expressed this sentiment during a press conference on Thursday. "Between 2019 and now, there’s too much difference and just recently we beat them [South Africa] in Sharjah – 2-1 – so we have that confidence with us and we are not under pressure anyway," Shahidi said. This recent victory in Sharjah has certainly bolstered the team’s morale and belief in their capabilities. While the loss of teenaged mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar due to injury is a setback, Afghanistan’s spin depth remains robust with Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Nabi, and Nangeylia Kharote ready to step up. Shahidi emphasized that the team is focusing on their own strengths and strategies, rather than the pressure of expectations. "Because right now we are focusing on what we can do in this tournament and I believe that our team is more ready for this tournament and we are focusing on our own team. There is no pressure on us," he added.
Strength in Spin Depth
Despite the absence of Ghazanfar, Afghanistan’s spin department is not short of talent. Rashid Khan, one of the world’s most feared leg-spinners, will be the cornerstone of their bowling attack. Noor Ahmad, known for his variations and guile, will add further complexity to the opposition’s batting line-up. Mohammad Nabi, with his all-round capabilities, and Nangeylia Kharote, a young and promising player, will ensure that the team’s bowling remains formidable. Shahidi acknowledged the depth in their spin department, stating, "We have enough spin depth in the form of Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Nabi, and Nangeylia Kharote. They are all ready to take on the challenges and we are confident in our ability to outsmart the opposition with our spin bowling."
Support from the Karachi Crowd
Afghanistan’s presence in Karachi is further enhanced by the passionate support they are receiving from the local crowd. "First of all, about people here – there are a lot of Afghans," Shahidi said. "They live here in Karachi and in Pakistan, and also a lot of Pashtun people, I think, they support us. So, yeah, yesterday there was a lot of crowds shouting for us [during training] and it feels good and it gives us confidence that we have supporters here and about our performance." The emotional backing from the crowd is a significant morale booster, and the team is eager to reciprocate this support with strong performances on the field.
Ambition for the Champions Trophy
This Champions Trophy marks a historic moment for Afghanistan as it is their first-ever appearance in the tournament. However, Shahidi made it clear that the team is not just here to participate but to compete at the highest level. "We are doing very good and, in this tournament, we are here to compete here and our aim is to win the final," he stated. "We are not here just to participate here in this tournament. We are definitely 100% looking to win this event." This ambitious goal is rooted in their recent performances, which have been impressive. In the 2024 T20 World Cup, Afghanistan made it to the semi-finals, and in the 2023 ODI World Cup, they secured a commendable sixth-place finish, earning their spot in the Champions Trophy. The team’s recent form and the experience gained from these high-profile tournaments have given them the confidence to aim for the title.
Facilities and Domestic Cricket in Afghanistan
Shahidi also addressed the misconceptions surrounding cricket facilities in Afghanistan. "I have answered this in Pashto but let me say it again because in media I heard a lot from other countries that they [Afghanistan] don’t have facilities, they don’t have stadiums, they don’t have academies. It’s totally wrong," he clarified. Afghanistan has invested heavily in cricket infrastructure, with cricket academies and high-performance centers in Kabul and Jalalabad. The team has been playing their home internationals in various cities, including the UAE, India, and Nepal, due to security concerns in their home country. However, Shahidi is optimistic about hosting international cricket in Afghanistan in the future. "We have the facilities to call a team to come to Afghanistan but in our country there were some security issues that’s why other countries are not coming but hopefully soon, as soon as possible, one of the countries will come to Afghanistan and you will see the crowd also," he added.
Fanatical Support and Future Prospects
The domestic cricket scene in Afghanistan is a testament to the nation’s passion for the sport. "When we play domestic cricket, it’s fully packed. Even people wait outside the stadium and try to come and watch the domestic game, like more than 50,000, 40,000, or 30,000 people coming for the finals of an event," Shahidi said. This enthusiasm is not only limited to domestic matches but also extends to international games. The team’s performance in recent tournaments has only amplified the interest and support from the cricket-loving populace. "I know that if any team come to Afghanistan, there will be like thousands of people, fans come and arrive to the stadium because there is a lot of craze for cricket. There are a lot of people who love cricket. So hopefully that day comes and hopefully it comes soon," Shahidi concluded. The combination of their recent successes and the unwavering support from their fans makes Afghanistan a formidable team to watch out for in the Champions Trophy.
