Afghanistan’s Cricketing Odyssey: Grit, Spirit, and the Need for Sustained Nurturing

 

In the often one-sided landscape of international cricket’s global tournaments, the “minnows” are usually relegated to the sidelines—a ceremonial presence in an arena dominated by giants. Zimbabwe crumbled to the sharpness of Sri Lankan and South African attacks, while Ireland appeared hapless against the sheer brilliance of Shane Watson and his Australian compatriots. Predictably, these smaller teams find themselves outgunned, and their performances rarely shift the narrative from inevitable defeat to anything remotely inspiring.  

Yet, on a particular Wednesday night in Colombo, Afghanistan defied this narrative, injecting life into a tournament that seemed to have already written its script of defeat. Their spirited performance against India—one of cricket’s heavyweights—was not just a contest but a celebration of resilience, reminding spectators that passion sometimes transcends the scoreboard. 

From the very first delivery, Afghan pacer Shapoor Zadran announced their intent. His opening ball dug in short with menace signalled that Afghanistan had not travelled this far to merely participate—they had come to compete. With increasing pace and aggression, Zadran unsettled the Indian openers and dismissed both Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, sending a ripple of discomfort through the Indian dressing room. For a fleeting moment, the possibility of an upset began to form. However, India’s innings was saved by the calm mastery of Virat Kohli—a lifeline that kept the men in blue from slipping into dangerous waters. Even so, Afghanistan made their presence felt, exposing vulnerabilities that few expected. 

Chasing India’s target, Afghanistan’s batsmen responded with surprising audacity. Mohammad Shahzad, with his bold helicopter shot, evoked the spirit of cricketing greats, signalling not just his skill but the tenacity of a nation that refuses to bow to circumstances. 

Nawroz Mangal and Mohammad Nabi carried the fight forward, their strokeplay a testament to courage honed amid adversity. Every boundary was a spark of defiance, each cheer from the crowd a tribute to the indomitable Afghan spirit. While they ultimately fell short, their performance stirred something deeper—hope. Afghanistan’s journey on the cricket field was a metaphor for their nation’s resilience in the face of hardship. 

However, passion and flashes of brilliance alone cannot sustain long-term success. Afghanistan, like many promising teams before them, stands at a critical juncture. Their cricketing spark holds immense promise, but without structured nurturing and consistent exposure to international competition, this flame risks flickering out. Kenya serves as a cautionary tale—once a rising force in world cricket, Kenya boasted competitive players and achieved notable success, even reaching the semi-finals of the 2003 ICC World Cup. But the lack of regular matches and sustained support prevented a lasting cricketing culture from taking root. Over time, Kenyan cricket slipped into irrelevance, a sad reminder of what happens when the potential is neglected.  

The same fate must not befall Afghanistan. At this moment, cricket pulses through the hearts of the Afghan people, offering joy, pride, and unity amid the turmoil of their nation’s complex history. The infectious enthusiasm displayed by their cricketers reflects more than just sporting ambition—it is an affirmation of identity and hope. However, this enthusiasm must be cultivated through meaningful international exposure. Regular matches against top-tier opposition will not only sharpen Afghanistan’s technical skills but also build the mental toughness required to compete at the highest level.  

Here, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the global cricketing powers have a responsibility. Cricket needs new narratives and dimensions to stay vibrant. The emergence of Afghanistan offers a chance to infuse the sport with fresh energy. However, such progress requires the ICC and established cricketing nations to actively encourage and support Afghanistan, offering them platforms beyond token participation in major tournaments. Infrastructure, training, and mentorship are essential—but so is a schedule that gives Afghan players frequent opportunities to compete and learn. 

The stakes go beyond sport. Afghanistan’s cricketing journey is emblematic of a nation’s desire for growth and connection with the world, despite the challenges of war and political fragility. Every match they play is not just a contest on the field but a message: that they belong, and that they can thrive. For cricket to remain a global game that embraces diversity and new talent, it must embrace Afghanistan’s spirit.

In the end, the Afghan players’ efforts against India are a harbinger of something greater—a vision of cricket’s future shaped by those who refuse to be confined by the boundaries of expectation. It is up to the cricketing world to nurture this vision and ensure that Afghanistan’s spark transforms into a sustained flame. As long as the game remains inclusive, offering space for those on the margins, cricket will not just be a sport but a bridge between worlds, where even the smallest voices can sing the loudest.

The question is not just whether Afghanistan will rise but whether the cricketing community will extend the hand they need to climb. Because when they do rise—and they surely will—the world will witness more than just matches; it will witness the triumph of spirit over circumstance, and the game will be richer for it.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

The Rise, Fall, and Glimmer of Hope: A Caribbean Cricket Saga

In the late 1970s and 1980s, the West Indies reigned supreme in world cricket, carrying an aura so intimidating that matches often seemed decided before a single ball was bowled. Their batsmen demolished bowling attacks with casual brutality, while their bowlers unleashed fire and fear, sending shivers down the spines of opposing batsmen. The team operated like a force of nature—untouchable, unrelenting, and unapologetic. It was not just cricket; it was a statement. These were the “Wonder Windies,” undisputed kings of the cricketing world.  

But the rhythm of Caribbean cricket, like the tides, was destined to change. As the years passed, the brilliance that had once illuminated the cricketing universe began to dim. The West Indies of the 90s and 2000s bore only shadows of their former selves—disconnected from their glorious legacy. Their batsmen lacked the swagger, their bowlers the venom. Whether at home or away, heavy defeats became the new norm. What was once a cricketing dynasty was now a shell, plagued by internal quarrels between players and administrators, particularly the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB). The discord spread like rust, eroding the essence of what had once made Caribbean cricket peerless. And so, for two long decades, the sweet sound of Calypso cricket was muffled, fading into a distant echo.

Yet, all cycles have turning points. Just when it seemed the Caribbean spirit had drowned, sparks of revival began to flicker on the horizon. The recent series victory against New Zealand reignited a long-lost optimism among West Indies fans. This was no accidental triumph but a deliberate display of talent, grit, and determination—hints of the brilliance the world had once feared.  

Ray of Hope

At the heart of this resurgence is the return of Chris Gayle, a giant of modern cricket whose reconciliation with the WICB was a crucial step toward healing wounds. Gayle’s presence brought balance, experience, and flair back into the squad. But individual talent alone wasn’t enough—West Indies also needed players who could shoulder responsibilities across all fronts. The renaissance of Marlon Samuels, with his newfound composure and class, provided the much-needed spine. Simultaneously, a fresh crop of young talent—Sunil Narine, Narsingh Deonarine, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Adrian Barath, and Darren Bravo—infused energy and creativity. 

In the pace department, old ghosts were being summoned. Kemar Roach, Tino Best, and their comrades began bowling with renewed hostility, reminiscent of the ferocity once synonymous with Caribbean bowlers. Captain Darren Sammy, though often underrated, played a pivotal role in holding the team together. His understated leadership brought a sense of unity and direction—an anchor amid turbulent seas.

Yet, the key question lingers: Can this generation sustain the brilliance required to restore the West Indies’ lost supremacy? Talent and potential have never been in short supply for the Caribbean side, but the challenge has always been consistency. Even in the golden age of Clive Lloyd and Sir Viv Richards, internal conflicts with the WICB existed, but they never derailed the team’s pursuit of excellence. The secret lay in self-awareness: those teams knew how to harness their potential, using individual strengths to elevate collective performances. 

This generation must confront the same challenge. To transform flashes of brilliance into a steady flame, West Indies players must develop what their predecessors mastered—self-realization. Knowing one's capabilities and employing them with intent is crucial to consistent success. Without this self-awareness, victories like the one against New Zealand risk becoming fleeting memories. The promise of a new dawn could once again fade into the familiar twilight of mediocrity.  

Path Forward

To keep the Calypso music alive, Sammy and his men must transcend their current form and make consistency their defining trait. It is not enough to play with flair; they must master the art of persistence. As history has shown, only when a team fully understands its own strengths and limitations can it overcome challenges.  

The world is waiting for the return of the Caribbean swagger, the fearless cricket that made crowds sway to the rhythm of bat and ball. But the journey from revival to dominance demands more than talent—it requires discipline, unity, and most importantly, realization. For when a team awakens to its true potential, no calamity can halt its progress. Only then can the Calypso music truly begin to play again, loud enough for the world to dance to.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

A Glimpse into the Future: Bangladesh’s Rising Stars from the U-19 World Cup

The recently concluded ICC Under-19 World Cup in Australia was a showcase of future cricketing talents from across the globe. Teams like India, South Africa, Australia, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and Pakistan brought to light some exciting young prospects, hinting at the bright futures that await them at the international stage. Bangladesh, too, unearthed a few gems who demanded attention—not just for their numbers but for their temperament and technique, qualities often found lacking in the country's senior cricketers.  

At the forefront of this emerging brigade are Anamul Haque, Litton Das, and Soumya Sarkar. These three cricketers displayed a level of maturity and skill that is rare in Bangladesh cricket’s youth, raising hopes that the nation's longstanding search for reliable top-order batsmen may finally be coming to an end. The performances of these young players were not just promising—they were statements, loud and clear, that they are ready to shoulder responsibilities in the next phase of Bangladesh cricket.  

Stars of the Campaign: Anamul, Litton, and Soumya  

Anamul Haque was the standout performer among the trio, leading the tournament’s run-scoring chart with 365 runs at an impressive average of 60.83 and a strike rate of 85.08. His tally included two centuries and a fifty—innings that not only earned wins for his team but also demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion. What distinguished Anamul was his poise under pressure. He thrived on challenging tracks where the ball swung and demanded precise technique, conditions that have historically troubled even Bangladesh’s most seasoned batsmen.  

Litton Das was equally impressive, accumulating 262 runs at an average of 52.40, including a century and two fifties. His ability to adapt his game to different situations was remarkable. Litton played with confidence against the moving ball, both on the front and back foot, a rare sight among Bangladeshi batsmen accustomed to subcontinental conditions. He showed that he could occupy the crease for long periods, a quality desperately needed at the top of the order.  

Meanwhile, Soumya Sarkar—Litton’s opening partner—may not have enjoyed the same consistency but left an impression with his all-round contributions. His 73 in the quarterfinals against Australia’s formidable attack showcased his potential to thrive in high-pressure scenarios. Soumya’s additional value as a part-time bowler, picking up four wickets at an average of 21.25 and an economy rate of 5.79, hinted at the versatility that could make him an asset in the future.

A New Dawn for Bangladesh’s Batting Order  

The emergence of Anamul, Litton, and Soumya comes at a critical juncture for Bangladesh cricket. For years, the national team has relied heavily on the individual brilliance of players like Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan, often without sufficient support from the rest of the batting order. Tamim, in particular, has long lacked a dependable opening partner, while the middle order still leans heavily on Shakib to rescue games. Litton’s ability to anchor the innings at the top could perfectly complement Tamim, and Soumya’s aggressive flair may make him an ideal candidate for the No. 3 spot. Anamul, with his solidity, could stabilize the middle order—offering Bangladesh much-needed depth and structure.  

Many might argue that these young players need time to mature before being thrown into the deep waters of international cricket. But in truth, their performances suggest otherwise. They are already equipped with the temperament necessary to thrive at the highest level. In a nation where Test cricket opportunities are limited, the best way to prepare these talents is to expose them early to the rigours of first-class and international competition.  

The current system cannot afford to wait for these players to ripen slowly—Bangladesh must act decisively to integrate them into the national framework. Mediocrity has been tolerated for far too long, with many long-serving players contributing little to the team’s progress. A bold step is needed to ensure these young stars do not fade into obscurity, as has tragically happened with others before them.  

The Lessons of the Past: Avoiding Another Lost Generation  

The biggest threat to these rising talents lies not in their abilities but in the management of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The BCB has a troubling history of mishandling promising players, with names like Shahriar Nafees, Aftab Ahmed, and Alok Kapali standing as stark reminders of what happens when the potential is squandered. These players arrived with great fanfare, only to be mismanaged, misused, and ultimately forgotten—a testament to the lack of foresight within Bangladesh’s cricketing ecosystem.  

Young talents need more than just selection—they require mentorship, guidance, and a nurturing environment that balances development with exposure. Cricket boards like the BCB must emulate the strategies employed by figures such as *Sourav Ganguly* and *Imran Khan*, who took active roles in shaping the careers of their younger teammates. Ganguly’s encouragement of players like MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh, or Imran Khan’s mentorship of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, are examples of how great leaders cultivate talent. Bangladesh’s seniors must adopt a similar responsibility, not merely sharing tactical advice but also imparting lessons on professionalism and discipline.  

Guarding Against the Lure of T20 Leagues  

A critical challenge lies in balancing ambition with discipline. The lure of T20 leagues can often be overwhelming for young cricketers, promising instant financial rewards but threatening to stunt long-term growth. Anamul, Litton, and Soumya must not be allowed to drift into the comfort of short-form cricket too soon. The temptation of immediate success can derail careers that should otherwise flourish over the longer arc of Test cricket. The BCB must resist the urge to prioritize short-term gains over sustainable development, ensuring that these players grow into complete cricketers rather than mere entertainers.  

A Time for Bold Decisions  

The emergence of Anamul, Litton, and Soumya signals the dawn of a new chapter for Bangladesh cricket—one that promises hope, provided it is handled with care. These young players possess the technique, temperament, and hunger to succeed at the highest level, but they need a system that supports and nurtures their development. The BCB must break from the mistakes of the past and provide them with the tools and opportunities to thrive.  

This is not the time for hesitation. It is a time for bold decisions, and for embracing the future with confidence. Bangladesh has long waited for dependable top-order batsmen—now that they are here, it is up to the cricket board, senior players, and fans to ensure that these young stars are given the best possible chance to shine. The nation cannot afford another lost generation. The journey of Anamul, Litton, and Soumya must be one of steady growth, not fleeting promise. The future beckons—it is time to answer the call.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

 

Real Madrid Crowned Super Cup Champions

Real Madrid wrested Spain’s Super Cup through a mixture of ruthless opportunism and Barcelona’s own failings, prevailing on away goals after a frenetic 2-1 victory produced a 4-4 aggregate. The night’s narrative, though graced by moments of artistry, was ultimately defined by fragility: Barcelona’s in defence, Madrid’s in possession of nerve.

Not even Leo Messi could script a different ending. His free-kick, bent exquisitely into the corner on the brink of half-time, suggested another chapter of resurrection. And in the final minute, as the ball once more found its way to him, the stadium held its breath. Yet his strike veered just beyond the post—an allegory for Barcelona’s evening: tantalising, close, but undone by inches.

A Tale of Two Gifts

This contest, in truth, was shaped days earlier. A slip of Víctor Valdés’s boot in the first leg had transformed Madrid’s deficit into hope. From the brink of 4-1, Ángel di María’s opportunistic finish turned the tie into a live contest at 3-2. The away-goal lifeline was the thread Madrid clung to, and here in the second leg, they yanked it tight.

Blitzkrieg Beginnings

The opening half-hour was a storm. Madrid abandoned subtlety for speed and steel, pressing Barcelona to the brink of suffocation. Their attacks carried the directness of cavalry charges, finding Barcelona’s high defensive line vulnerable.

The first goal was absurd in its simplicity: Pepe’s clearance, more hopeful than crafted, arced over a defence stationed recklessly high. Javier Mascherano misjudged, and Gonzalo Higuaín, sharp and merciless, struck past Valdés. A mistake, a punishment.

Minutes later, another long ball exposed another weakness. This time Gerard Piqué faltered, misreading the flight of Sami Khedira’s delivery. Ronaldo needed no invitation. With instinctive improvisation, he flicked the ball over his own head and burst clear. Valdés’s attempted save only served to redirect the ball inside his near post. Two errors, two goals, and Barcelona staggered like a boxer reeling against the ropes.

Collapse and Response

By the half-hour mark, the Super Cup looked destined for Madrid. A Pepe header ruled out, Adriano’s desperate red card for hauling down Ronaldo, and Barcelona’s tactical retreat all suggested implosion. Tito Vilanova sacrificed Alexis Sánchez to restore order at the back, a symbolic concession of ambition.

But if Madrid’s opening was fire and fury, Barcelona’s reply was finesse. Montoya’s forays down the right offered brief relief, and then, as halftime approached, Messi intervened. His free-kick was more brushstroke than strike—an arc of defiance that bent into the top corner. Suddenly, it was 2-1, aggregate level, and the air shifted from inevitability to suspense.

Holding the Line

The second half became a chess match of mismatched pieces. With ten men, Barcelona circulated the ball but always at risk of the counterattack. Madrid, their early firebanked into calculation, defended deep and struck in bursts. Casillas embodied their resolve, denying Pedro twice and intervening with authority as Messi and Alba probed. Sergio Ramos, too, snuffed out danger with a sliding block that spoke as much of defiance as of skill.

Luka Modrić, Madrid’s new arrival, was given a cameo to taste the ferocity of the clásico, while Higuaín struck the post to remind Barcelona that the margin for error remained perilously thin.

The Final Breath

And yet, Barcelona endured long enough to dream. In the final moments, as though ordained, the ball fell to Messi. Time slowed, expectation crystallised. This was his stage, his inevitability. But the shot curled wide—fractional, fatal. The whistle blew, and with it, Barcelona’s chance dissipated into the Madrid night.

The Super Cup was not so much won as it was survived. Madrid were clinical, their goals born of speed and directness, but their triumph was inseparable from Barcelona’s lapses. Valdés, Mascherano, Piqué—each offered Madrid the keys to victory.

This clásico was thus a parable of contrasts: Barcelona’s artistry undermined by fragility, Madrid’s efficiency elevated by resolve. In the end, away goals crowned them champions, but the night’s true revelation was simpler still: beauty can thrill, but mistakes decide.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Oscar: The Discipline of a Dreamer

In Brazilian football, where flair is often mistaken for freedom, Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Júnior stands as an anomaly — a craftsman in a nation of improvisers. His rise from the youth fields of Americana to the illuminated stage of Stamford Bridge is not merely a tale of talent fulfilled, but of temperament tested.

While many of his contemporaries thrived on instinct, Oscar’s ascent was born of structure — a mind that saw patterns where others saw chaos, and a quiet intelligence that has long defined the rare breed of Brazilian playmaker.

Origins: From Americana to the Arena

Born in Americana, São Paulo, Oscar’s early years offered few of the hardships romanticized in Brazilian football folklore. His first steps were not taken barefoot on the favelas’ dust, but under the tutelage of União Barbarense’s academy, where his precision and poise stood out long before his adolescence had ended.

At thirteen, he joined São Paulo FC’s youth academy, walking the same corridors that once nurtured his idol Kaká. The resemblance was uncanny — tall, lean, reflective — but it was the similarity of spirit that drew the comparison deeper. Both men played football not as an escape, but as an expression of faith in rhythm and order.

Oscar made his professional debut for São Paulo on 28 August 2008, against Atlético Paranaense in the Copa Sudamericana. Barely seventeen, he played the full ninety minutes with the composure of a seasoned midfielder. The match ended goalless, but the impression endured — that of a boy already comfortable in the language of the professional game.

The Legal Storm

The next chapter of Oscar’s story unfolded not on grass, but in courtrooms. In 2009, a contractual dispute between the young midfielder and São Paulo turned into one of Brazilian football’s most publicized legal sagas. His representatives argued that the club had failed to pay promised wages, rendering the contract void. São Paulo contested this bitterly, claiming full ownership of the player.

The case dragged through the Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva, Brazil’s sporting high court, and the uncertainty threatened to derail a promising career. Eventually, Oscar was declared a free agent and signed with Internacional, though São Paulo’s appeal temporarily barred him from playing. Only in May 2012, after a €6 million settlement, did the conflict reach its uneasy resolution.

The ordeal tested his resolve. “He looked young,” observed his Chelsea teammate Ashley Cole upon Oscar’s arrival in London, “but you could tell he’d been through a lot.” Beneath the boyish face was a player forged by confrontation — not rebellion, but resilience.

The Formation of a Talent 

At Internacional, Oscar’s evolution gathered pace. Despite early injuries, he soon became integral to the club’s identity — a playmaker of precision and patience, complementing the fiery Argentine Andrés D’Alessandro. Together they formed a midfield built on intuition and trust, an alliance that matured Oscar’s game from potential to performance.

He scored his first goal for Internacional in February 2011, sealing a 4–0 Copa Libertadores win over Jaguares de Chiapas. Later that year, he delivered a brace in a 4–2 victory over América-MG, finishing the season with ten goals from twenty-six games — remarkable numbers for a midfielder of his age.

As journalist Alexandre Alliatti of Globo Esporte noted, “From the first day, he looked like a leader. He asked for the ball all the time. He looked young, but he had the soul of a captain.”

The Chelsea Chapter: The Boy Who Looked Too Young

When Chelsea unveiled their new signing in August 2012, English fans saw a player who barely looked old enough to train with the reserves. Yet, as those in Porto Alegre would attest, this youthful demeanour disguised a professional maturity rare among Brazilian exports.

“Oscar is centred and disciplined,” said Rodrigo Weber, an Internacional executive. “We have many players with great technical ability, but few with the mentality to become a superstar. Oscar was one of them.”

His early days in London mirrored his move to Porto Alegre — a quiet adaptation before the explosion of brilliance. Within weeks, he stunned Juventus in the Champions League with a goal of sublime balance and precision, swivelling past two defenders before curling the ball into the top corner. It was not youthful exuberance, but controlled audacity — football’s equivalent of a brushstroke by a young painter already aware of composition.

The Artist’s Mind

Oscar’s artistry lies not in flamboyance but in geometry. Quick, agile, and technically exquisite, he treats space as both canvas and constraint. His intelligence allows him to occupy the subtle gaps between lines — the “half-spaces” where playmakers are made, not born.

Comparisons with Kaká and Mesut Özil abound, but Oscar’s craft is uniquely hybrid: the cerebral efficiency of a European number ten fused with the rhythm and intuition of a Brazilian improviser. His vision, first touch, and weight of pass make him a natural architect in the attacking third — a player who builds play rather than simply decorates it.

At Chelsea, Roberto Di Matteo sought to protect him from the crushing pace of English football. “He’s only 21,” the manager warned. “He’s learning the language, the tempo. We must be careful.” Caution was warranted — but Oscar adapted, not by force, but by finesse.

Personality and Poise

Away from the field, Oscar’s life defied the stereotype of the restless young footballer. Married young to his childhood sweetheart Laura, he preferred evenings at home to London’s nightlife. Friends described him as modest, contemplative, even shy — qualities that perhaps explain his calm under pressure.

Unlike many of his peers, Oscar’s motivation was never rooted in escape. “Playing football and earning money was not an obligation,” Alliatti observed. “It was a choice.” That distinction — between necessity and vocation — defines much of Oscar’s maturity.

Legacy in Motion

By the time he turned twenty-one, Oscar had 11 international caps, had scored twice against Iraq, and was wearing the Brazilian No. 10 shirt — an inheritance heavy with history. His success, alongside peers like Neymar and Ganso, signalled a revival of the Brazilian aesthetic: intelligence wedded to imagination, discipline balanced with daring.

As Rodrigo Weber presciently remarked, “He will never be a strong, stocky player. He will always be slim, fast, and agile. But that is his strength — not his weakness.”

Oscar remains, in essence, a study in equilibrium. His story illustrates that Brazilian football’s future need not rest solely on the chaos of creativity — but on the harmony of mind and motion, the marriage of art and order.

For Brazil, that harmony may yet define the next golden age.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar