Former India Cricketer Salim Durani Keen to Visit Kabul

Former India cricketer, Salim Aziz Durani, who presented a memento to Afghanistan skipper, Asghar Stanikzai ahead of the historic Test is keen to visit his native place, Kabul.

Meanwhile, Durani was only three, when his family left for India in 1937. So when Afghanistan made its Test debut against India at Bengaluru, BCCI chose the right man, Durani, for the toss.

The 83-year old travelled all the way from Gujarat to be with the Afghanistan players on their special day. Durani said he could feel the sentiments of the Afghan players despite not being to Kabul since then.

“The Afghanistan players were happy to see me in person. After shifting to India, I have never been to Kabul, but I can feel their sentiments,” Durani told Sportstar.

Though he did not get much chance to interact with the Afghanistan players, Durani made it a point to talk to the captain, Asghar Stanikzai, and congratulate him for coming this far.

“I told them that ‘this is your chance, and you have to work hard and listen to the coach.’ They should watch how higher-ranked teams like Australia or England are playing, that will help. But firstly, they must listen to the coach and manager,” he added.

The veteran seemed satisfied with ICC’s role in promoting the game. Further, he urged ICC to award the war-torn nation with more international matches.

Durani shifted to India with his father Abdul Aziz Durani, who played a couple of games for undivided India. Although his father moved to Pakistan, Durani stayed back in Gujarat with his mother.

“I plan to go to Kabul now (if health permits). I have been in India since I was three and it is my motherland,” Durani said, adding: “You know what, I learnt to speak English after coming to India.”

Durani wants to visit his birthplace and relive some of the old memories. He also revealed many of his friends had invited him to visit the country.

“I met some of the friends who invited me to Kabul. I would love to go there. I will try to go sometime soon,” Durani concluded.

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