40,000-50,000 People Attend Domestic Matches: Afghanistan Captain
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi has hit out at critics who say that the country lacks facilities for the game of cricket. Shahidi, who has been a key player for the Afghan national team, has rubbished claims that Afghanistan does not have the infrastructure to support the game. In a recent interview, he revealed that the country’s domestic matches often attract a massive crowd of 40,000 to 50,000 people, contrary to the popular perception that Afghan cricket is struggling due to a lack of facilities.
Shahidi’s comments come as a response to criticism that Afghanistan’s cricket infrastructure is not up to par with other countries. Many have pointed out that the country lacks modern stadiums, academies, and training facilities, which hampers the development of the game. However, Shahidi’s experience suggests that these claims are exaggerated.
“I heard a lot that they don’t have facilities, they don’t have stadiums, they don’t have academies. It’s totally wrong,” Shahidi told reporters. “We have a lot of good facilities, and our domestic matches are well-attended. In fact, we often see crowds of 40,000 to 50,000 people at our domestic finals.”
Shahidi’s assertion is backed by the fact that Afghanistan has been making rapid progress in the sport in recent years. The country has risen through the ranks to become a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2017, and has since participated in several international tournaments, including the ICC World Cup and the Asia Cup.
Afghanistan’s domestic cricket league, the Shpageeza T20 League, is also a popular event, attracting top international players and huge crowds. The league has been running successfully for several years, and has helped to develop the skills of local players.
Shahidi’s comments have sparked a debate about the state of cricket infrastructure in Afghanistan. While some have pointed out that the country still has a long way to go in terms of building modern stadiums and training facilities, others have praised Shahidi’s efforts to promote the sport and dispel negative perceptions about Afghan cricket.
Afghanistan’s cricket board has also been working hard to develop the game, investing in infrastructure and training facilities. The board has constructed several new stadiums and training centers, and has also introduced programs to develop the skills of local coaches and players.
Shahidi’s comments are a testament to the progress that Afghanistan has made in cricket, and a challenge to critics who say that the country lacks the facilities to support the game. While there is still work to be done, Shahidi’s assertion that 40,000 to 50,000 people attend domestic matches in Afghanistan is a clear indication that the country has the potential to become a major force in international cricket.
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