Skipper all praise for upcoming cricketers

KABUL (Pajhwok): The skipper of the Afghan squad, which won the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Premier League in Malaysia, on Friday commended upcoming players’ performance.

Mohammad Nabi Issakhel told Pajhwok Afghan News at the Kabul International Airport: “Considering the young players’ talent, we can say Afghanistan’s cricket has a brilliant future.”

Afghanistan emerged as champions on Wednesday when they outclassed Nepal in the rain-curtailed final played in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.

Nepal won the toss and opted for fielding. The national team posted a formidable total of 263 runs in the stipulated 50 overs before bundling out the opposition for 155.

The triumphant cricketers were to return to Kabul yesterday, but rain forced their aircraft to land at the Mazar-i-Sharif airport in Balkh province. They reached Kabul today.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) officials, parliamentarians, government officials and fans accorded the team a warm welcome at the Kabul airport.

ACB Chairman Shahzada Massoud praised the national side for bringing home new laurels and thereby winning the hearts of cricket lovers.

Asked if he felt the absence of senior players, the captain said: “The youngsters played so well that we didn’t really realise any vacuum.” However, he acknowledged the seniors had played a key role in Afghanistan’s success.

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