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Afghanistan’s development in international cricket has been unprecedented to say the least. The Afghan side, which started their journey in internationals in 2009, have performed magnificently in white-ball cricket in recent years, and the BCCI can be credited with helping them to get to their current level after signing an MoU with them way back in 2015, and being their big brother since then.
It was the diligence and perseverance of Afghanistan players allowed them to become full-time ICC members in 2017. Back in 2023, Afghanistan produced their best ODI World Cup performance after defeating heavyweights such as Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka.
Following the decent World Cup 2023 campaign, they grabbed attention for qualifying for the semi-final in T20 World Cup 2024. This marked their maiden knockout appearance in ICC events. Recently, they beat England by eight runs in the Champions Trophy 2025 match played in Lahore. After tasting second success against England in ICC tournaments, they are hitting headlines for their superb journey in international cricket. In Afghanistan’s impressive rise, the BCCI has played an essential role as the world’s richest cricket board assisted phenomenally with its resources.
How BCCI has supported Afghanistan cricket over the years
In 2016, BCCI won hearts after allowing the Afghanistan cricket team to make Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida their temporary home ground. The Afghan side’s association with BCCI helped their players to stitch close ties with Team India players. Taking advantage of India’s majestic cricketing infrastructure, Afghanistan players got the opportunity to enhance their skills.
In January 2018, Afghanistan hosted Bangladesh in Dehradun for three T20Is. Besides that, Afghanistan have also received the coaching of former India players Ajay Jadeja, Manoj Prabhakar, and Lalchand Rajput. Afghan players have also used IPL as a platform to excel in competitive cricket. Rashid Khan, who is one of the best spinners in international cricket currently, has got the opportunity to showcase his talent through the league. Rashid’s extraordinary bowling has a huge fanbase in India.
On the field, the BCCI have already organised matches for Afghanistan in all formats against India at home. Afghans have already played out a couple of tied games against India, one each in ODI and T20I cricket, and it is only a matter of time before they get the better of them for the first-time ever in their cricket history.
