WHY AFGHAN CRICKET HAS MOVED AHEAD OF WI

AFGHANISTAN’S nomadic cricket team is a historic giant killer in the current International Cricket Council’s (ICC) One Day International (ODI) competition.

Afghanistan, a war-ravaged country, has only six world-class pitches and its players have had to play abroad in order to escape the hostilities in their homeland.

At home, they are required to get approval from the Taliban.

Their climb into international status has been slow and deliberate because of limited opportunities in Kabul and the national security atmosphere.

And yet, the team led by Hashmatullah Shandi is in the prestigious ODI competition in India, while the West Indies, winners in 1975 and 1979, is watching the games on television.

The Afghans have so far won two critical matches in their 2023 Cinderella performances, causing all cricketing eyes to focus on their spectacular progress.

They beat England, the defending champion, in the biggest upset in World Cup history.

Then they whipped Pakistan in another shocker.

In a country wrecked by gunplay, there have been fireworks and wild street celebrations following the surprising victories.

Aghans were quoted as saying the victories feel as though they have won the entire competition.

One man told the local media that “even in times of war,” the victories must be celebrated, “not only in Kabul but in all provincial and district hubs.”

So, how is Afghanistan creating so much ODI excitement while the West Indies could not even make it among the 10 finalists that including the Netherlands and Bangladesh?

There are several reasons, one of which is that the team has an inspirational mentor, Ajay Jadeja, a former Indian Test player.

Sachin Tendulkar, the Indian cricketing superstar, has praised Afghanistan’s “discipline with the bat, the temperament they have shown and aggressive running between the wickets,” in addition to their “formidable bowling line-up.”

A key factor in their sterling performances is that the Afghans play as a united team, unlike the West Indians, whose disparate manner reflects the lack of cohesion among member countries.

Shahidi said the team performed in a professional manner, adding: “We are playing quality cricket.”

There is a sense of purpose from the Afghans, which has permitted the team to soar from rank outsiders to famous victories over top-notch teams.

The close-knit harmony among players was probably formed, at least in part, by the war in their homeland, the longest conflict in modern times.

The West Indies team not only lacks such cohesion but comes from a community of small nations where their leaders can’t provide effective stewardship on such crucial matters as security, food sufficiency, intra-regional transportation, and trade.

The current crop of West Indian leaders is largely unproductive in resolving urgent matters or in motivating their societies.

Barbados’ Mia Mottley has commanded international attention for her tough talk on climate change and financial aid, and Guyana’s Dr. Irfaan Ali is emerging as a transformational leader.

They stand apart from the rest of the crop, each of whom is unable to meet current economic and social challenges and inspire growth and creativity.

The West Indies cricket team is a product of that listlessness and lack of innovation.

In sharp contrast, Afghanistan’s cricket appears to have risen out of the fog of war, determined to effectively represent and bring hope and happiness to their long-suffering people.

“They play as a unit,” one commentator said.

West Indian cricket, on the other hand, is a reflection of a region with little aim and ambition, purpose and plan.