Their names may be obscure and likening them to their idols may be the only way to get people to notice them but Afghanistan’s young stars are gradually developing an identity for themselves with dazzling displays on the sidelines of top-tier cricket.
Their latest triumph has not come against an international giant - rather, in a prestigious club-level tournament in Pakistan. But it is special nonetheless, for it represents the country’s emergence as a serious cricket playing nation powered by youth. It is also symbolic since most of the Afghans that made up the Afghan Youth Cricket Academy (AYCA) side have learnt their skills in Pakistan. It must be a matter of great pride that these upstarts have turned a corner and managed to beat their own mentors!
AYCA was definitely the top draw in the annual Dr. M.A Shah Twenty20 Night Trophy even with some of the dozen or so local clubs employing current and former Pakistan internationals among their ranks. They lived up to their billing as the most exciting and mysterious side in the event but no one expected them to take the trophy home on Monday night. AYCA took on the AO Blues, a team that included Pakistan stars Imran Nazir and Rana Naveed, after a surprisingly comfortable run up to the final.
The setting at the Asghar Ali Shah Stadium seemed more Kabul than Karachi with traditional Afghan drum beats resonating from the place. Batsman Mohammad Shahzad, Kabul’s ‘Sehwag’ was definitely tuned in as he smashed all-bowlers including Rana as AYCA batted first. He scored 59 in rapid time and was well supported by Asghar Stanikzai (43) en route to a total of 159. The large crowd, thousands of Afghani immigrants including young girls and children who live in Karachi, performed the traditional dance and were as boisterous as any of their subcontinent counterparts. They waved flags, the tri-colours stitched up together hurriedly it seemed for no one anticipated AYCA to reach the final. Even the heavy presence of security personal at the venue failed to dampen the spirits of the Afghans with thousands more fans waiting outside to get in as the police and paramilitary rangers struggled to prevent any crowd surges. An LED screen was also put up in Sohrab Goth, an area made predominantly of Pakhtuns to accommodate some of the fans.
In reply, AO Blues were completely outwitted by the Afghans who bowled attacking, beguiling spells and eventually saw their team stroll to a 61-run win. Hamid Hassan, a fast bowler in the mould of Umar Gul, proved every bit as effective as the Pakistan star and picked up three wickets with his searing, full-length deliveries in one over. This was followed by light, celebratory gun-fire outside the vicinity of the ground where people had crowded with Afghan flags. “After soccer, cricket is our new passion, it unites,” said one Afghan fan.
The scenes as the final wicket was taken and AYCA crowned the winners were extraordinarily uplifting. The crowd stormed the pitch momentarily, embracing the players who made a desperate attempt to escape. The Afghan players, some overwhelmed by the occasion held their head in their hands, while other hugged and kissed the flag.
In the end two things were clear: one, these young stars would surely be a force in the coming years. And two, if they were to play Pakistan in Karachi one could expect sell out crowds which could be useful given the lack of international cricket in Pakistan.
Taimur Sikander is a sports editor at Dawn.com
The views expressed by this blogger and in the following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.
