IND vs AFG 2018: Afghanistan Appeals for More Cricket as they Embark on the Test Journey
Updated - 14 Jun 2018, 05:36 PM
Afghanistan President, Ashraf Ghani said on Thursday the national cricket team was a source of pride to the war-torn country, as they take on India in a historic one-off Test match and he urged other cricketing nations to take on the team.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan became the 12th Test-playing nation after getting the Test status in June, last year. On the other hand, India is currently the No. 1 Test team in ICC Rankings list.
India got off to a flier banking on Dhawan and Murali Vijay after opting to bat first. While Vijay played the second hand, Dhawan went bonkers at the rookies in this format. Although Dhawan departed scoring his seventh hundred, the host continued their dominance.
India went to tea at 248 for one, as rain played a spoilsport to halt the game. Top government officials from both sides are present at the stands to witness this historic moment.
President Ghani admitted this another example of the strong friendship between the two countries. He also urged other nations to play more cricket with the Afghans.
“This is yet another poignant example of the everlasting friendship between India and Afghanistan,” Ghani said in a statement. “We also request other test cricketing nations to arrange regular series with Afghanistan,” he added.
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi said he hoped the match could bring the South Asian neighbours closer together. Moreover, Indian Sports Minister, Rajyavardhan Rathore shook hands with Afghan players before the game and read out a congratulatory statement from Modi.
In conclusion, India has offered Afghanistan the use of two of its stadiums to host matches with other countries.
