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Karzai praises victorious Afghanistan cricket team

Men celebrate in Kabul on Monday as they welcome the Afghanistan cricket team on their return to the country following their qualification for the ICC World Cricket League Division Five semi-finals. PHOTO: AFP

Afghan President Hamid Karzai added his voice to those of exuberant cricket fans welcoming Afghanistan’s young team home on Monday after they stayed on course for possible qualification for the 2011 World Cup.

The team was met at the airport in Kabul by sporting officials and hundreds of supporters who presented them with garlands before leading them through the city in a noisy, flag-waving cavalcade.

“Long live Afghanistan,” “Long lives our cricket team,” supporters chanted as many danced the national anthem played by drums and trumpets, a traditional way of celebrating victories.

More fans waited at the national stadium but the numbers were limited for security reasons, one cricketing official said, with the threat of extremist attacks ever-present in Afghanistan.

In a statement, Karzai described the team and their achievement in winning the final of the International Cricket Council World Cricket League division five in the British crown dependency of Jersey at the weekend as “a source of pride and honor for Afghanistan.”

“With this victory, the national cricket team of Afghanistan showed that despite years-long war and financial problems, Afghans can achieve many glories,” he said.

Success at the tournament means Afghanistan will compete in the ICC World Cricket League division four in October, taking them one step further along the road to possible World Cup qualification.
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