The Afghanistan cricket team is known for its fierceness on the field to win matches for their country. It is what has led them so far in the cricket world that they are playing in the Super 8 of the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies.
However, former Pakistani captain, Shoaib Malik claims that the fiery nature of Afghanistan’s players lasts only when they are playing and off the field, they are very hospitable.
“Afghanistan players participate in different leagues and so do Pakistan players. They bring dry fruits for us and in general, are very hospitable,” the former captain stated while sharing his personal experience with the Afghan players on a local sports channel.
Malik also added that verbal fights on the field can happen with any team you are playing against and that is part of the game, “What we see on the cricket field, they (the spats) can happen while playing against any team. The incident with Asif Ali in the Asia Cup playing against Afghanistan can happen with other teams as well.
"But the thing with Afghanistan players is that they are very hospitable. We have played in leagues together, we have eaten and sat together and have shared long conversations.”
He also stated that fights and rivalries are part of the game but one should be mindful of not disrespecting players or anyone else, “You would want to win a game for your country but there should be no space for disrespecting anyone. The players and the fans should not disrespect anyone in height of emotions,” he concluded.
The Rashid Khan-led Afghan team has played one game in the second round of the T20 World Cup against India and lost it by 47 runs as they were bundled out for 134 runs.
They have two more matches to play in the Super 8 round of the T20 World Cup 2024 against Australia on June 22 and against Bangladesh on June 24.
- Shoaib Malik
