Here’s what Afghanistan’s first game at Lord’s Cricket Ground meant to the fans
The team played an MCC XI in their first game at the home of cricket.
It’s been a big summer for Afghanistan’s cricket teams – after the country was awarded Test status by the International Cricket Council last month, the team have now made their first appearance at Lord’s.
Afghanistan’s One Day International side faced an MCC XI, and while the game was abandoned after they were set 227 from 40 overs to win, Afghanistan’s cricket fans, who wrote down some of their thoughts on whiteboards, had plenty to say about the importance of the occasion.
Zia Ol Haq (right), 53
‘A peaceful Afghanistan’
“We’re sitting in a crowd with other Afghans and everyone’s enjoying it and cheering on the team. It’s better to come together and watch cricket and be as one.”
Ibn Ali (left), 27, and Sadeq, 25 (right)
‘We need peace in Afghanistan’
Tariq, 22
‘Speechless, exciting, emotional’
“I got so emotional when I got here and saw the crowd and my team playing.”
Soloman, 25
‘Past, present, future’
“The atmosphere is amazing. Every time the bowlers run up you can hear the screams from the crowd. The crowd is not getting tired either, it’s been 10 overs and they’re still getting louder and louder.
“Now wherever you go in Afghanistan everyone is playing cricket. So the cricketers are leading that path.”
Abdullah, 26
‘Peace, progress, positivity’
“This is a positive recognition for our team, this is a big day for us.”
Sayed, 28
‘Unity!! Love!! Passion!!’
“People here today have left their work, taken the day off, closed up their shops and businesses to come to see the match.
“My friend from Afghanistan just called me, the whole country is watching the match, and they’re all really happy and it’s bringing unity among the people.”
