Afghanistan’s national cricket team is attempting to regain its footing during the men’s World Cup after finding a new home in Dubai, thanks to financial backing from International Cricket Council — the sports governing body.
Ever since the Taliban took over Afghanistan two years ago following the chaotic US withdrawal, professional cricket players and administrators fled the country in large numbers, hobbling the country’s international sporting prospects. Then late last year, the Emirates Cricket Board agreed to house the Afghan players, as well as provide logistical and visa support in Dubai over the next five years.
While the players declined to comment about the turbulent regime change back home, the team has “become stronger” mostly in spin bowling compared to a decade ago, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, a wicketkeeper and batter on the Afghan team, said in an interview. The “focus is to improve our batting and only then we’ll win against India or other teams,” he said.The team got off to an unpromising start after being beaten in its tournament opening match against Bangladesh.
Afghanistan previously practiced cricket and played home matches around the capital New Delhi, but that arrangement was thrown into disarray after India tightened visa issuance to Afghan nationals after the Taliban retook power.
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