When you think Afghanistan, you think of bombs in bazaars, landmines on roads, guns, abject poverty. But come May 1st, Afghanistan will play India in its first T20 World cup match ever at St. Lucia in the West Indies. Afghanistan managed to qualify for the tournament by beating Ireland and U.A.E. in the qualifiers in February. Afghanistan in T20 Cricket world cup: Group: C Other teams in group C: South Africa and India Prediction: May not win even a single game due to tough opponents in group C. Plus points: Unpredictable nature of T20, Lack of high expectation and lack of any idea on team. This event was met with great outpouring of joy in the streets of Kabul. These victories put Afghanistan in group C, considered a tough group, as India and South Africa, both strong teams are the other members. Afghanistan will play South Africa on May 5th at Barbados. But these teams cannot afford to take Afghanistan lightly. The team members are a hardy lot as they have literally grown up in a conflict zone with their lives perpetually at risk. One can't expect such a team to be a meek minnow. The coach, Kabir Khan, is a former Pakistani fast bowler. He is confident that the Afghans can beat any other team. Most of the team members have learnt cricket from their neighbour, Pakistan. Last year, the President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, granted permission to set up a national cricket board. Though the finance ministry has earmarked funds for the national cricket team, there is a lack of facilities, with Kabul, the capital having only 1 cricket ground.  The 15 member Afghan squad consists of the following members : Nawroz Mangal (captain), Mohammad Nabi, Karim Sadiq, Mirwais Ashraf, Rais Ahmadzai, Dawlat Ahmadzai, Mohammad Shahzad, Hamid Hassan, Samiullah Shinwari, Noor Ali, Asghar Stanikzai, Shahpoor Zadran, Shabir Noori, Sayed Nasrat, Shafiq Shafaq.  Afghanistan Player profiles: Nawroz Mangal (captain): Mangal has been the captain of the national side of Afghanistan since 2007 . He is a right handed batsman and also bowls. This 25 year old made his … [Read more...]