The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of cricket in Afghanistan, contributing significantly to the nation’s rise in the international arena. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has also played a crucial role in transforming Afghan players into global sensations.
This influence was evident in the recently concluded ICC ODI World Cup 2023, where Afghanistan secured the sixth position on the points table with 8 points, earning a berth in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Former captain Mohammad Ashghar Afghan acknowledges the substantial role played by the BCCI in Afghanistan’s cricket development.
In an exclusive interview with The Times of India, Afghan expressed gratitude for the consistent support from the BCCI since 2014. He highlighted the crucial support provided by the BCCI, including the provision of a home ground, which has been instrumental in nurturing the passion for cricket in Afghanistan.
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Recalling a light-hearted conversation with the legendary MS Dhoni during the Asia Cup 2018, Afghan shared insights into the camaraderie between players.
In the India vs. Afghanistan game in Dubai, where Afghanistan’s stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma was rested, the match ended in a tie. Afghan engaged in a post-match conversation with Dhoni, discussing the talented Mohammad Shahzad, who is a big fan of the former Indian captain.
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“After the tied match, I had a long chat with MS Dhoni. He is a superb captain and a god’s gift to Indian cricket. He is a nice human being. We spoke about Mohammad Shahzad a lot. I told Dhoni Bhai that Shahzad is your big fan. Dhoni said Shahzad has got a big tummy, and if he loses 20 kg, I will pick him in the IPL,” Asghar Afghan revealed.
However, in a light-hearted twist, Afghan added that upon Shahzad’s return to Afghanistan, he gained 5 more kgs, showcasing the jovial camaraderie shared between players across borders.
