Following the Afghan cricket team’s historic feat, Taliban has expressed its gratitude towards India  for its longstanding support in their team's capacity building.

Afghanistan clinched the semi-final berth with an eight-run victory over Bangladesh, setting up a clash with the Proteas on June 27.

Over recent years, India has played a crucial role in nurturing Afghan cricket talent through various initiatives. This includes training Afghan players in Indian stadiums, support from Indian corporate sponsorships, and significant contributions such as the $1 million grant for the development of Kandahar cricket stadium.

India's support extended beyond infrastructure. The BCCI provided the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida and another home ground in Dehradun, serving as temporary bases for the Afghan team. Additionally, India hosted Afghanistan's inaugural Test match in 2018, a landmark moment in their cricketing journey.

Suhail Shaheen, Taliban's Head of the Political Office, thanked India for its support in developing Afghan cricket.  

The Indian Premier League has also played a pivotal role in the rise of Afghan cricket, with players like Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi, Naveen-ul-Haq and Mujeeb Ur Rahman achieving international acclaim, becoming household names in both the nations. Their successes are celebrated across both nations.

The Afghan team's achievement in reaching the T20 World Cup semi-finals is not only a sporting milestone but also a testament to the collaborative efforts between India and Afghanistan in nurturing cricket talent and fostering strong bilateral ties through sports diplomacy. Agencies