The Afghanistan cricket team trip to the 2011 Cricket World Cup has just come up short, missing out on one of the four places. But they have gained ODI Status for the next six years.
In the World cup qualifiers in South Africa, they defeated Ireland (10pts), who finished on top and qualified for the World cup along with Canada (8pts), Netherlands (8pts), and Kenya (8pts).
Afghanistan finished level with Scotland on 6pts, ahead of United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Namibia, both on (4pts)
So, for a sporting team to be able to have this much success on the international scene, when there homeland is still involved in war, makes us realize how lucky we are.
It also reminds me of the performance of the Iraqi soccer team at the 2004 Olympics, an inspiration to us all.
I hope Cricket Australia can invite the the Afghanistan cricket team down under next summer, to play ODI’s and also matches against the State sides, to help with their development, so they can play at the 2015 World Cup.
drewster
Roar Pro
I have been following their progress online for quite some time and their story is remarkable to say the least. they have no pitch, A few batting nets, a bowling machine and lot of love for cricket. There is a documentary being made about their journey called "Out of the Ashes" which you can watch a preview of on "you Tube" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKdpyPpX2_U It's worth a watch. I hope they get an Invite to Australia for some one day games even against a state side as mentioned in this article as their enthusiasm is contagious. A quote from one of their players "I have seen people die and I have not shed a tear. But there is something about cricket that gets me here [pointing to his heart]. Cricket is our chance." Hameed Hassan, Afghanistan fast bowler. Funny game this Cricket!
DR izzatullah
Guest
Today is very happy day for me to listen that afghanistan cricket team has gained ODI status i am a little unhappy about that afghanistan didn,t qualify the world cup . I know personaly many players of national team (karim khan, hasti gul , raees ahmadzai ) i had played cricket with them in kacha garhi camp in peshawar pakistan . They really love cricket . i saw them in very poor economic condition but they continioud their game in that condition and now that is their day of celebration . I congratulates to all Afghans especially who love cricket .