In Afghanistan, cricket represents a rare moment of happiness for a country hit by natural disasters, economic crisis and international restrictions, including Taliban restrictions on women’s education and movement.
by Kieren Williams, News Reporter
Tuesday 25 June 2024 18:59, UK
Afghans took to the streets in their thousands on Tuesday to celebrate the country’s men’s cricket team reaching the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup for the first time.
A celebratory mood prevailed across the country. TalibanWhile people in Kabul, Khost, Jalalabad and elsewhere rejoiced at the dramatic victory over Bangladesh, the Russian-ruled country boomed.
“This incident has given hope to young people who had previously been disappointed,” said Rashedulla, who lives in the southeastern province of Khost.
Of course, that group of young people does not include women, as the Taliban have banned them from playing cricket.
The Taliban returned to power in 2021, becoming Afghanistan’s undisputed leader and bringing to an end two decades of expanding economic opportunity and freedom for women in the country.
cricket This is one of the few sources of comfort for many Afghan men and is embraced by the Taliban regime.
Unusual good news
The victory will come as a welcome respite for a nation that has suffered. A series of natural disasters In addition to the economic crisis, which has been exacerbated by international restrictions and reduced aid to the banking sector since the Taliban seized power and restricted women’s education and movement.
The Taliban regime’s acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, used the occasion to call cricket team captain Rashid Khan and convey his congratulations, a foreign ministry statement said.
“Your victory has made everyone happy. You are a great inspiration to young people,” he said.
“Words cannot express the joy of this moment. This is a big victory for all Afghans,” Shah Mohammed, 42, from Kabul, said after Afghanistan beat Bangladesh by a tense eight-run margin on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent.
“We are very proud of our national team. They have created very happy moments for us and now we are optimistic that the team can reach the final.”
Former President Hamid Karzai also praised the team.
Read more from Sky News:
Protester shot dead in Kenya
Specialized search dogs deployed in search of Jay Slater
Julian Assange leaves UK after being released in US plea deal
Despite the match kicking off at 5am in Afghanistan, crowds took to the streets to watch the match on public screens.
Photos and videos show large groups of male fans cheering and celebrating the win in the Duckworth-Lewis style.