T20 2024: India's Victory, Afghanistan's Rise

19 December 2024

The 9th edition of cricket’s shortest form, the T20 World Cup, offered up some spectacular stories. India defeated champions England on their way to a second title; they became the first side to win this event undefeated. While Afghanistan, against a challenging political and cultural backdrop, celebrated a momentous achievement - the emerging cricketing nation reached the semi-finals.

We spoke to none other than “The Voice of Afghanistan Cricket”, Devender Kumar, for an in-depth analysis of the T20 campaign, the sport’s place in Afghan society, and prospects for women cricketers in the country.

Kumar, an Indian national, knows Afghanistan and its capital Kabul well. He said Afghan hospitality is second to none; everyone who goes to Kabul wants to return again and again. He started following the men’s cricket team seven years ago and reminded us that they were phenomenal in the 2023 ICC World Cup, defeating the likes of England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. They’d lost to Australia – and that was the team they were determined to beat in the T20 event this year. Against all expectations, Afghanistan did just that and pipped the 2021 champions to a place in the semis.

“They have always been immensely talented,” Devender explained. “It was all about just organizing, giving them the structure. And that's where I think Jonathan Trott [the coach, a former England batsman] played a significant part… The way they played against Australia was simply majestic.”

Back at home, people came out in the streets, celebrating all day and all night. Kumar said that after 40 years of war, the Afghan people were unified in their joy and pride as their cricketers showed the world not just their talent, but also their culture, their determination and, in Devender’s words, that they are simply “terrific human beings.”

The hopes are high for the men’s team, with Kumar confident of Afghanistan’s chances in the Champions Trophy. However, he also spoke to us about the women’s cricket team. When the Taliban returned to power, female cricketers fled the country. That, he explained, is a situation that may take a long time to change. He suggested that the international community could best help by encouraging and supporting the development of cricket in Afghanistan. “Cricket plays a huge part in keeping the country together. And it's important for every citizen of Afghanistan. So cricket is the only way forward.”

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