In announcing its decision to cancel a first Pakistan trip since 2005, the ECB conspicuously failed to mention security concerns, with an official statement instead focusing on a broader unease over travel to the region as well as bubble fatigue.Īn official apology as well a commitment to complete a full Test tour in 2022 has done little to soften the blow in Pakistan, with Raja barely able to hide his fury given his country’s willingness to travel to England last summer at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja has warned of a potential divide in international cricket and a “west versus rest” mindset as outrage over England’s decision to cancel their tour of the country continues to grow.Ĭricket in Pakistan is at a crossroads after the hasty exit of the New Zealand men’s team on Friday morning – coming against the backdrop of a “credible and specific threat” to team security – and the England and Wales Cricket Board’s subsequent decision to pull out of a historic joint men’s and women’s trip next month.
Najibullah Zadran who top-scored with a brutal 59, was promoted to number four to ensure that Afghanistan could maintain a left-right partnership at the crease.England’s tour of Pakistan will not go ahead (Simon Cooper/PA) - PA Archive Yet they were shrewd in how they used it too eight of the side’s 11 sixes were to the shorter boundary. The Afghan method is similar to that which has won the West Indies two of the last three T20 World Cups - focus on out-hitting their opponents.Īs openers Hazratullah Zazai and Mohammad Shahzad took Afghanistan to 55-1 after the Powerplay - the highest Powerplay score all tournament - it was evidence of the power that Afghanistan possess. While the brilliance of their spin attack has long been taken as a given, the way in which they compiled 190 gave notice of the threat they possess. The International Cricket Council’s board will discuss the situation next month, with it possible that Afghanistan will be suspended because of the Taliban barring women from playing the sport a women’s team is a requirement of being an ICC Full Member.īut in the World Cup itself, Afghanistan have the look of real contenders. As Rashid took Scotland’s final two wickets in consecutive balls - Josh Davey with a leg break, and then Brad Wheal with a googly - he will be on a hat-trick when he begins his spell against Namibia next game.īeyond this tournament, the future of Afghan cricket is uncertain. Still, Rashid took the chance to showcase his own mesmerising skills, finishing off Scotland with his own array of leg spinners, top spinners and googlies, generally delivered well over 60mph with impeccable accuracy. It all meant that when Rashid Khan, the leading spinner in T20 today, came into bowl after the Powerplay Scotland were already 37-5. He is a bowler who defies normal characterisation, so most now simply go with mystery spinner. Mujeeb, a master of bowling in the Powerplay, spun the ball both ways while varying his pace, snared 5-20 with his array of off spin, carrom balls, leg spin and googlies. So it was during their 2021 T20 World Cup debut, as Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan shared figures of 9-29 against Scotland.īoth were beguiling.
On this evidence, it is one that has a very real chance of reaching the semi-finals in the T20 World Cup.Īfghanistan’s rise has largely been authored by their brilliant phalanx of spinners. In the 17 years since starting to play international cricket, Afghanistan have assembled a fine cricket team. Yet as Afghanistan’s jubilant players embraced in Sharjah after crushing Scotland by 130 runs in their opening World Cup match, it was a reminder of the other thing that Afghanistan has become renowned for, beside its painful history: cricket. Their return has precipitated a profound humanitarian crisis - many have been killed for working with the previous American regime, thousands of refugees have fled the country and, as repression against women has escalated, girls have been barred from attending schools. In the eight months since Afghanistan played their last game of international cricket, the Taliban have recaptured the country. In their first match since the Taliban's takeover of the country Afghanistan looked a polished outfit who could reach the latter stages Afghanistan make triumphant return to international cricket with 130-run T20 World Cup win over Scotland