Afghan Cricket's Big Dreams

The sport of cricket is the only approved sport by the Taliban and it plays a big role in uniting the country of Afghanistan. Mohammad Nabi Eisakhill, who was once a war refugee, learned to play cricket as a young child and came to respect the sport greatly. Afghanistan's government is currently trying to form a democracy and is in a war. However, cricket is supported by Afghanistan's opposing factions. The chief executive of cricket's national association, Noor Muhammad, says, "this is a game that can bring Afghanistan together and be very good tool for peace and stability." A large amount of the land has been used to build cricket grounds. Since 70% of the population is under 30, the people are focusing on teaching young people the sport of cricket. The goal is for cricket to be taught in schools. Cricket in Afghanistan has only officially been a sport for six years, but it has been played by British soldiers since the 19th century. Afghan's cricket team has played twice in the World Twenty20 finals. Afghanistan's dream is to be officially recognized to the International Cricket Council and participate in the Cricket World Cup.  

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/03/sport/mohammad-nabi-afghanistan-cricket/index.html?hpt=isp_bn9