Afghanistan achieved unprecedented success in cricket as they qualified for the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals. While Afghans rejoice over their team’s accomplishment, India’s vital role must also be remembered.Afghanistan’s ascent to prominence in world cricket is unmatched, and this is no mere fairytale. It was not until 2017 that they were admitted as full members of the International Cricket Council, and it was not until 2024 that the side secured a spot in the World Cup (T20) semifinals. Afghanistan—often written off as minnows or underdogs in important tournaments—put on some shocking displays this T20 World Cup to advance to the semi-finals, particularly against Australia and New Zealand. A significant portion of the credit for the players’ success belongs to India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), as they both stepped up and delivered when it counted most.
In 2015, Afghanistan’s temporary “home ground” was the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida, courtesy of the BCCI. Afghanistan moved their headquarters from Sharjah to Noida, and in 2017 they even held international matches in Greater Noida against Ireland.
Not only is Greater Noida Afghanistan’s “home ground,” but they also “hosted” a Twenty20 series in Dehradun versus Bangladesh.
Indian Coaches’ Advice: Afghanistan was able to succeed because the BCCI provided the necessary facilities. That wasn’t all, though. Lalchand Rajput, Manoj Prabhakar, and Ajay Jadeja—all former Indian players—have all previously served as coaches for the Afghanistan national team. Jadeja was actually their mentor right up till the 2023 ODI World Cup.
In a significant move to improve ties between the two countries and teams, the BCCI, unquestionably the most influential cricket body in the world, even invited Ashraf Ghani, the president of Afghanistan at the time, to witness the team play its first Test match in Bengaluru.
The Amazing Impact Of The IPL: Afghanistan’s athletes have benefited much from the Indian Premier League, perhaps more than any other league. In addition to improving their own game and inspiring others in the nation, many Afghan players compete in the T20 league and make good money doing so.
Afghan players’ involvement in the IPL has grown significantly over the years, and this trend is expected to continue.
