Beyond the Test World
March 31, 2009
Posted by Cricinfo on 03/31/2009 in ICC World Cup Qualifiers
It's unbelievable that we are here

Hamid Hassan, the Afghanistan bowler, blogs for Cricinfo from the ICC World Cup Qualifiers in South Africa.

I am very happy we are in the qualifiers and that we are one step away from playing at the 2011 World Cup. We will try our best to qualify for the Super Eight stages of the competition and, hopefully, we can do well.

It is unbelievable that we are here, as we started in Division 5 of the World Cricket League last year when there were 12 teams and everybody said the USA and Jersey were the favourites for that tournament. Nobody really expected us to do well, and we didn’t expect that much as we knew we were playing against some very good teams who had played at a much higher level than us.

Our victory over Nepal in the semi-final of Division 5 was amazing and we grew in confidence when we won a dramatic final against Jersey. We went away after that event and worked really hard at our game and did very well in Division 4 in Tanzania which we also won. Division 3 was much tougher and we lost our first match against Uganda, but bounced back with some really good performances, which meant we needed to beat the Cayman Islands in our last match to qualify.

I still don’t know how we managed to get away with that match, as Cayman Islands were on the edge of victory, when the rain suddenly intervened and the match was abandoned. We played much better the following day and our victory meant we had emerged winners the Division 3 tournament.

I have been happy with how our preparations in South Africa have gone and it was good to get a win against Oman on Saturday in our final warm-up match, having lost to Ireland earlier in the week. We had spent the weekend in Johannesburg, where we were staying in the same hotel complex as the Australian and South African teams, which was amazing. I managed to see quite a few famous players including Ricky Ponting, Mitchell Johnson and Brad Haddin.

On Monday we travelled down to our new hotel base and we are now finalising our preparations for our first game on Wednesday. It is very important for us to win our first two matches; if we do that, we know it will be easier to play our other matches. We are hoping to win our first two games against Denmark and Bermuda and we will then see how we do against the Netherlands, UAE and Kenya.

It is our dream to play in the World Cup and we are hoping to do the best we can in this tournament.

Comments (129)
Posted by: Scott at March 31, 2009 12:37 PM

Good luck with the qualifiers! Hope you guys make it through!

Posted by: Jawed at March 31, 2009 12:50 PM

I wish you Hassan jan and all the other members of your team the best of luck and I know that you will make the Afghans all over the world proud.Just believe in yourself and you can beat the best.

Posted by: Arun Kumar at March 31, 2009 12:54 PM

Good luck to you guys!
I'm sure you can make it to the super eights, and I really want to see you guys win this. As an Indian i am supporting you the most, because it would be great for you to be in the World Cup after all your country has been through.
I really hope you do well, because I believe you are the best bowler of Afghanistan.
Good Luck to you guys again!

Posted by: wasif khan at March 31, 2009 12:54 PM

good luck to u afghan boys in qwc .hopefully u will compete well .

Posted by: wasif khan at March 31, 2009 12:57 PM

hopefully u will compete well in south africa wishes u good luck boys keep the hard work going for next couple of weeks.

Posted by: Ravinder Singh at March 31, 2009 1:00 PM

Good luck, looking forward to seeing you guys at the world cup.

Posted by: haider at March 31, 2009 1:08 PM

it is fantastic to see our team in south africa,and we belive on them to make it to worldcup 2011, best wishes for them, haider jaillani from kabul

Posted by: Spinghar Safi at March 31, 2009 1:17 PM

I really wish you all the best and you are my favorite bowler. make a good plan and play positive. our batsmen sometimes dont play carefully so I would like to request them that this is the chance for which all of us have been waiting. Take best out of you!
spinghar@hotmail.com from Germany

Posted by: Balaji Subramanian at March 31, 2009 1:17 PM

We would love to see you guys in action at the 2011 World Cup in India.. A giant leap for the nation and the game too..

Posted by: Mariam at March 31, 2009 1:18 PM

All the best ! Inshallah you guys will go really well. It's great to see you all come this far facing all the obstacles that came your way. I'm rooting for you all.
Hopefully we'll see your dream to play in the world cup come true!

Posted by: SR at March 31, 2009 1:38 PM

Your olympians did it. Can't see any reason why you can not.
Break a leg, good luck.

Posted by: Belal Beg at March 31, 2009 1:48 PM

Hello friends, your people are famous for their courage,valour, stamina and determination. As their progeny you too carry those qualities which are priceless in the game of cricket too. I am sure you are going to make history. Do'nt bother about others, just play your game. Success will seek you out.

Posted by: Jamal Ahmadzai at March 31, 2009 1:58 PM

i wish my country afghanisatn a very best luck and i am praying day and night 4 u guys to win and play in the world cup. best wishes from hameed, khalid sahar and ofcourse da rude boy i mean myslf, Jamal Ahmadzai.

Posted by: Jeba Abraham at March 31, 2009 2:01 PM

Good Luck! Hoping to see the Afghanistan team in the 2011 world cup.

Posted by: Prabesh Aryal at March 31, 2009 2:03 PM

Good Luck to you and your team. Although we (Nepal)lost to you in the Semis of division qualifiers, we would like to extend our good wishes to you and your team.
Keep Winning!

Posted by: Selvam at March 31, 2009 2:03 PM

All the best guys . Our best wishes are with your team. Hope your humble dream comes true with the grace of the almighty. God bless :)

Posted by: Jitendra at March 31, 2009 2:04 PM

Hi Hameed,
The journey of the Afghanistan Cricket team validates the age old saying -- Sports crosses all kinds of boundaries. Sports events like the world cup gather people together and help to experience the bigger world and build new friendships.

I wish to convey my best wishes to each and every member of the Afghanistan team and I am sure you will use this opportunity and time to make new friends, enjoy the sport that you represent and maintain the spirit of this great game of cricket as you move on with your participation.

Sentimentally you are the favorites, and regardless of the result of the 2011 World Cup qualifiers, this Afghanistan Cricket team shall be forever remembered as a harbinger of peace and friendship.

Posted by: Laksh at March 31, 2009 2:06 PM

Afghanistan & Ireland are the two teams am supporting for this tournament. Try ur level best & be careful especially with the batting department. Don't be nervous. best wishes & I know U can do it, keep up guys... Don't give up until the last ball of the tournament is bowled. Am Indian too, still I support NTP Nations which I feel every cricket lover should start doing.

Posted by: Trush at March 31, 2009 2:08 PM

Good luck guys and we all wish you best of luck on behalf of all the Indian citizens.

Posted by: Mustafa Moiz at March 31, 2009 2:11 PM

Good Luck! Hope you make it. As a Pakistani I would love to see Afghanistan in the World Cup.

Posted by: Abdul Sami at March 31, 2009 2:13 PM

Best of luck Afghan cricket team, keep your batting line up strong and consistent and manage to make some runs on the board, success be yours'.

thanks,

Posted by: Fawad S at March 31, 2009 2:14 PM

hi guys first of all i want to thanks our Indian brothers for wishing as best of luck and today i understand that its not just we that we love Indians they love us also. best of luck my Afghanistan cricket team you get from 86 to 12 its alot for us because we r just playing since 5 years and other teams from more than 30 years

Posted by: prasanth kongati at March 31, 2009 2:20 PM

Its really amazing to see you guys in div 3 and many congrats for that..keep your head high..walk into field boldly..try to get inspiration from great players..believe in yourself..and success is yours..

We are waiting to see you bowl in international arena..many wishes from all Indians!!

Posted by: DJ at March 31, 2009 2:22 PM

G'Luck Guys...

Posted by: Jensrsa at March 31, 2009 2:24 PM

Welcome to South Africa and all of the best with your qualifying!

Posted by: Ishtiaq Hussain at March 31, 2009 2:26 PM

it wiuld be so nice to watch Afghanistan playing in WC 2011. We believe in you guys please keep it up and give your 100%.Very good luck

Posted by: Farhan Hussain at March 31, 2009 2:29 PM

Hello Hameed.. Good Luck !! Do Your Best !! ..
Always praying for you guys .. I am proud of you my friend !!
Farhan. (Shireen Mahal Club, Islamia Academy)

Posted by: Vinícius Bonizzoni at March 31, 2009 2:50 PM

Cheers for you,guys!You can do it!G'Luck from Brazil.

Posted by: Amit Upadhyay at March 31, 2009 2:53 PM

Keep wickets in hand while setting a target.

See off the new ball while chasing one.

Here's an Indian hoping you'll make it to the next World Cup.

Posted by: rahul at March 31, 2009 3:03 PM

sport bridges all boundaries and brings us all together, your success story is amazing.
all the best guys.

Posted by: lakesidey at March 31, 2009 3:04 PM

All the best :) Been following the meteoric rise of your team with surprise and pleasure, hope you can pull off a few more shocks!

~lakesidey from India

Posted by: vivek singh at March 31, 2009 3:26 PM

Wishing You all the luck here from India. I am sure that thinking of the joy and relief that you will bring to your countrymen, and the smile and hope you will spread across the world, you guys will be never short of inspiration.

Posted by: hamid habibzai at March 31, 2009 3:32 PM

salam oh my god its unbeliveible that afghanistan qualify for world cup that is a great news i am very happy with u guys love u and hope u do ur best and try ur best until last ball success is yours and tnks from indian brothers that they are wishing afghanistan tnks alot succcess is urs and also w o r l d c u p bye

Posted by: Hashim Malik at March 31, 2009 3:32 PM

Hay Hameed,

I want to wish you and the rest of the Afghanistan squad luck for a prosperous campaign ahead.

I'm expecting Kabir Khan to exploit every ounce of his fast bowling experience to set the radar of his comrades alight on favorable proteus pitches...

Posted by: Kiomars at March 31, 2009 3:32 PM

This is a great chance for you guys to popularize this sport in our country and tell the world that we are not a bunch of terrorists, but peaceful and civilized people. We are already proud of your achievements, make us more proud :-)

Posted by: Sameer Pathak at March 31, 2009 3:39 PM

Hi Hasan, so glad to see you guys so near the final step. I have been tracking your progress through the times and I think your team's story has making of a all time classic story of emergence of a cricketing nation from ruins of war. I wish you well and hope to see you all play against India in Eden Gardens Kolkata in front of 100000 fans and WIN (I cant believe I am thinking of India losing a game.....but I guess you guys deserve to win). If you all qualify for the World Cup its a promise that you will have atleast one fan...following your progress with crossed fingers. God Bless You all...May you win!!!!

Posted by: Ashwin at March 31, 2009 3:49 PM

Hi Hameed,
It was accidentally last year that I found about the WCLs. I started following WCL only towards the ned of WCL5. I was really facinated by Afghanistan's performance there. Later I followed very closely WCL 4 and WCL 3. I really wanted Afghanistan to win these and you did it as well. I still remember your game against Cayman Islands which I thought you will loose but fortunately rain intervened and you won it comfortably the next day.
My message to your team is go and enjoy yourself there. The teams participating are very good and this will give you all a very good experience. I assure you that if each of you in your team play the best cricket, you can beat any team on a given day.
Do not get carried away by your wins and do not lose hope by your loses.
Your initial aim should be to be in the top 4 of your group and qualify for the super 8. Then ensure that you are in the top 4 of the super 8.
Make small goals and go all out to achieve them.

Good Luck! Have a blast!

Posted by: asmat khugianai at March 31, 2009 4:09 PM

good luck hameed jan u r the proud of afghanistan on ur hard working we will be succed inshallah pls u guys bring this cup to our sweet country we hope that & we r praying for u guys byyyyyyyy

Posted by: rajan k'van sharma at March 31, 2009 4:22 PM

as i m a fan of you all guys ,and your performance under that tough conditions made me your big fan,i really want to see you all in world cup2011,just do me a favour ,when you will take the field tommorow,just think of all those especially afghanistan who are praying for your good performance.inshallah u will do better.

Posted by: rajan k'van sharma at March 31, 2009 4:22 PM

as i m a fan of you all guys ,and your performance under that tough conditions made me your big fan,i really want to see you all in world cup2011,just do me a favour ,when you will take the field tommorow,just think of all those especially afghanistan who are praying for your good performance.inshallah u will do better.

Posted by: Paul Carroll at March 31, 2009 4:31 PM

Hamid - tell them to bat 50 overs out !! you willalways be competitive in the field!
Fingers crossed
Cheers
Paul

Posted by: Salim Mushfiq (Afghan) at March 31, 2009 4:39 PM

Insha Allah our talented Afghan players will do it once more to qualify for the world cup 2011, it's every Afghan's dream...We will qualify Insha Allah...Aameen.

Posted by: Mau at March 31, 2009 5:30 PM

All the best guys....you have done great so far. I support Canada, although I surely want you guys to qualify as well...
It would be amazing to see you in India with so many of your brothers supporting you. ALL THE VERY BEST!!!!!!!!

Posted by: sandeep at March 31, 2009 5:31 PM

good luck guys, keep your focus on....,you guys will reach your goal.

Posted by: Abdul Saboor at March 31, 2009 5:31 PM

Dear Hamid you are a hardworking and committed player. The whole team is has shown how committment can help you achieve your goals. We all are eyeing to see our team in the world cup and make a history. I am sure you gusys can do it.
May ALLAH Almighty help you guys in your adventure to World Cup.

Your fan,
Abdul Saboor

Posted by: Mau at March 31, 2009 5:32 PM

All the best guys....you have done great so far. I support Canada, although I surely want you guys to qualify as well...
It would be amazing to see you in India with so many of your brothers supporting you. ALL THE VERY BEST!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Engr Haroon(kuwait) at March 31, 2009 6:15 PM

Salam-alaikum hameed jana and all other member of the cricket squad,wish you all convencing vectories and exellent performances with bat and ball.The entire world's critics and pandits eye's are on you guys.Expectations are very high,the whole nation is waiting impatiently,you guys are the hope of more than 30 million brave and enthiasiastic afghans.Prove it and do it with bat and ball like Hazrat Ali did it with his sword,Tariq bin Ziad did it with his buring boats,Abu Ali Sina and Abnil haissam did it with their hekma and knowledge and Muhammad Ali Clay did it with his punches.
Whish you all best of lucks and happiest comming days.

Posted by: Praveen Reddy at March 31, 2009 6:23 PM

All the very best Hameed.Would love to see u guys at the world cup.Play your best and i dont see any reason why you can't be bowling to Ponting & co soon..

Posted by: Hedayatullah, India at March 31, 2009 6:26 PM

I am very much happy and looking forward to see Afghanistan in 2011 worldcup I am studing in India and Exams are going on but i will not miss none of the matches and wish to see my team in 2011 worldcup here in India.I am thankfull to the players and supporters of Afghan team wether they are foreigners or Afghan citizens, thanks whoever supports and praises our cricket team and wish a prosperous future for all you guys.

Posted by: Mosawer Azami at March 31, 2009 6:44 PM

i am really very excited about u guys and i believe that u guys will win this WC qualifying tournament!
and u guys will come back to ur countr with the trophy!
just do ur best and pray to ALLAH then see success automatically will come to ur feets!!!


Best of luck!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Sarwar at March 31, 2009 6:53 PM

It's amazing how you guys managed it to qualifiers. Best of luck in SA and we're waiting to see you @ WC 2011!!!

Posted by: Dr. Samir More at March 31, 2009 7:15 PM

It would be really awesome to have you guys in the world cup. Go for it guys. All us Indians are supporting to whole heartedly, not only in the qualifiers, but also in the World Cup. It would be so amazing to witness you guys playing in the Wankhede stadium or the Eden Gardens. All the best.

Posted by: Najeeb Sultani at March 31, 2009 7:28 PM

my afghanistan zinda baaad i will allways pray and wish u all the best and u all are fantastic if ur thoughts are strong then u can beat the best in the busnisse wish u all the best hamid jan and all the team of afghanistan ... afghanistan zinda baaaddd

Posted by: zabi arghand at March 31, 2009 7:30 PM

all the best to our heros make us proud and with the help of god we gonna win this tournement.keep it up

Posted by: jawid at March 31, 2009 7:32 PM

I want to see you guys beating pakistan one day...
that's my dream... you are the guys who can make it come true....

Posted by: Abdul Aziz Saadut at March 31, 2009 7:34 PM

Hi Ningarhar Express!
It gives me immense pleasure to see you & your team-mates in S.Africa for WCQ.
I am sure that we will be the Legends & Winners Once again with the Bless of Almighty Allah & the Prays that come from the hearts of our very Loving & War-hit nation & the best wishes from all the fans of the Afghan Team.
Just go & play your natural game & don,t feel pressure, The success will be your's........Inshah Allah.
At last but not the least I would like to thank ALL INDIANS, who have wished the best for our Cricket Team, Thank You very much for being so much Affectionate.
Best OF Luck to Nawroz-XI.

Posted by: Jamal Daftani at March 31, 2009 8:13 PM

Best of LUCK!! I am very excited and looking forward to see the great results of our GREAT country AFGHANISTAN!! This is the opportunity and take your chances!! and show the world that WE CAN!! dont be disherated if you dont make it :) but I believe that u guys will make it inshAllah...Khuday mu mal sa :)

Posted by: Umair Asad at March 31, 2009 8:13 PM

The only team i am supporting is Afghanistan,i hope your team will do well, stick to the basic and dont show haste,all will be well.
From a Pakistani.

Posted by: Nasir and abdullah from ,jozjan. at March 31, 2009 8:19 PM

Hi hameed . We are preying to win the qulefing round.we are wanna see the our sweet team in the w'cup 2011. Inshallah' that will true soon. Wish u all the best u and ur team. And the thanks for the indians who sported to the afghan teams .

Posted by: Askar Niazi at March 31, 2009 8:35 PM

I've all the wishes for ya guys. Hope you do well and get into the WC2011.It'd be a fantastic to write a new history though. I've loads of passion for the game and know every test playing team's members but not of my own country, thats quite ironic but then it's not my fault as Swedish TV doesn't show any of the matches at all, but I'm following the whole tournament on www.cricinfo.com so don't let all the spectator's wishes down. Thanks :)

Posted by: Kusal at March 31, 2009 9:01 PM

Hope i gys make it to the wrld cup... All da best.. and hopefullt we'l see more of ur blog and crikt..

Posted by: Dave at March 31, 2009 9:27 PM

Good luck in the tournament!

Posted by: kazi nadir hossain at March 31, 2009 9:30 PM

hai Afgan brothers, good luck to you. i am a Bangladeshi and hope to see you in world cup-2011 in Bangladesh. insha Allah you will win this.

Posted by: Hilal at March 31, 2009 9:32 PM

We wish all the best of luck for the Afhan team. We struggle to find out whether any TV channel broadcast these matches? Any one know?

Regards,

Posted by: s shetty at March 31, 2009 9:51 PM

Hello my brother - I wish you all the best and really hope you can qualify for the world cup !

I am from india and wish sports can bring peace and unity in the country.

Wish you all the best and hope you can bring joy to afghanistan and all your indian brothers as well.

Posted by: Anton at March 31, 2009 9:53 PM

Best of luck, from New Zealand. It will be a great international story if you make it. Here's what i would advise:
1. work very hard, beyond what you have before.
2. set game plans based on your limitations.

Posted by: Wahid at March 31, 2009 10:35 PM

Good luck Afghanistan. It's good to see you guys playing cricket. I'll be supporting you all the way. Play hard and hope you win. From a Pakistani brother.

Posted by: Stanekzai at March 31, 2009 11:08 PM

Wish you all the best! I know you won't upset 1000 of the Afghan cricket team fans. Thanks to everyone for their support of the Afghan team too.

Posted by: sami at March 31, 2009 11:13 PM

good luck from pakistan!

Posted by: FlashAsh at March 31, 2009 11:26 PM

Dear Hameed

I'm English and support Ireland in this competition, but hope that you and your team can make it through to the finals.

Your team is a beacon that others should follow and its a privilege to watch you play. Your passion and ability will carry you through.

Now just make it to the last 4!!

Cheers

Posted by: sadat at March 31, 2009 11:40 PM

good luck afghanistan,, from denmark

Posted by: Doug Kinsella at March 31, 2009 11:49 PM

Hi Hameed,

We met when playing in the ACC tournament KL in 2006 - I played for Thailand and you took great delight in visiting our room to talking cricket crushing my hand & wanting to take my brand new Nokia phone!!!!

Well done to you & the rest of the team. We all hope that you guys really show us how good you are and enjoy the experience!!!

Posted by: J.P. at April 1, 2009 12:48 AM

I'm an American but I am rooting for Afghanistan after all that you guys have been through. I also am Irish and want to see Ireland do well. Best wishes also to our neighbors from the north, Canada. Wish the US could have done better. :( Plus the US television networks haven't got on to the cricket bandwagon and haven't shown any games (the one game they actually showed was England vs.Stanford Superstars) Thanks Cricinfo for your coverage and best wushes to all the teams, especially Canada, Ireland, and Afghanistan.

Posted by: Danish Khan at April 1, 2009 12:55 AM

It's such a pleasure to see my brothers one step away from the World Cup spot. Give your best shot and I am very much confident that you will make it in the Top 4. It has been a fairy tale how you started off from Div. 5 and within a year great Afghans are one tournament away to play against the best.

BEST OF LUCK!....from Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan

Posted by: Robert at April 1, 2009 1:36 AM

I'm feeling so proud to know that cricket is growing worldwide i wish you all the best in your matches. Hope to see you playing against the West Indies in the World Cup good luck. Robert from Jamaica

Posted by: Saroosh Nadeem at April 1, 2009 1:58 AM

I would like to Congratulate Afhanistan team to make it to this level. All of Pakistani community here in USA is praying for you guys and I also want Rifthuallah Mehmond to perform really well and become the MVP INSHALLAH

Posted by: Anil Bommareddy at April 1, 2009 2:51 AM

My God! You made it!!! Few months back when read that you guys cleared division 5, I thought well played but may be an end. Well, if you guys make to the World Cup, I bet I will be there to support no matter the location, and will seek autograph from your coach. Good Luck Guys keep pushing hard.

Posted by: Ravikant at April 1, 2009 3:04 AM

I am an Indian and I support the Afghan cricket team and Afghanistan.Inspite of what your country has undergone and is undergoing,you chaps have done exceeding well in the game of cricket.Your story is truly amazing!It would indeed be fantastic if you win the qualifiers in South Africa and play in India.Here's one Indian cricket fan who hopes to see you all in India in 2011 playing with likes of Tendulkar, Ponting,Graeme Smith,Pietersen,Vettori,Sanggakara and Co. Good Luck & God Bless!!

Posted by: edwin mendonca at April 1, 2009 3:31 AM

Wish you all the best for the qualifying round. show the world that afghanistan is not all about terrorism but a country where people know to live in peace and harmony, and your qualifying for WC will mean a lot.

Posted by: jawad hashimi at April 1, 2009 3:56 AM

Salam and hi to all cricketer, specially to my country cricketers I hope can see you in world cup, play against Pakistan, I know we will have supporters from India and they must help us, best luck to you guys and i hope you play hard to win this coming cup in South Africa

Posted by: George at April 1, 2009 3:59 AM

Hi Hameed,
Wonderful news for cricket fans around the world. Good luck to you and your team from Canada. It is great that you guys are doing well. Keep up the good work !!!
Cheers

Posted by: Adro Gul Stanikzai at April 1, 2009 4:16 AM

Hi hameed jan and all Afghan cricket players, Assalam-u- Alaikum, hope you gentelmen are fine and doing well, according to my point of view, you guys can do whatever you want, because i have seen your effort in the last few months, that you guys won some divsions, so this is all your effort, so brothers be confidence, try your best and best specially in fileding so score will come to you and you will will the match and would be happy, to be honest iam sure that Inshallah Afghanistan is going to qualify for the coming world cup,

Posted by: Hamed at April 1, 2009 4:32 AM

Wish you good luck all the players and i hope of your good performances as in previous tournaments. I am Afghan from Jalalabad. I will pray very much for your success becuase it will be our success. Well done all the team till this stage. You have made us proud, all nations are surprised of your acheivments inspite of these difficulties which we have. May Allah be with you

Posted by: Vikas Srimal at April 1, 2009 4:34 AM

All the best, Hameed & Afghanistan! I can't tell you how desperate I am (among, many others, I'm sure) to see you guys make it to the 2011 WC. You guys are the new West Indies - every neutral's favourite! May the force be with you & the sincere good wishes of so many people carry you through.

See you in India in 2011! Insha Allah!:)

Posted by: Nabi Jan Azeem at April 1, 2009 4:34 AM

Dear Hameed jan, we are all disparately for the qualifiers to start Inshallah you will do well and our dream of seeing our team play in 2011 world cup come true, we all know that you people have a done a splended job to reach this stage with very little facilities in hand, will you all the best

Posted by: Sher Agha Hamkar at April 1, 2009 4:44 AM

Salam Hamid Jan,Nawroze Mangal, and other members of the squad, well done Nawrooze for a spectacular inning in last warmup match against Oman, Hope you take the responsibility in coming qualifier matches as well, and also Hamid Jan we all know that you are a good face baller, but please reduce your no balls in coming matches and concentrate on a good line and length,once again i would like to request from all of Our Afghan brothers and sisters that pray for your team to qualify to World Cup 2011, Amin.
Best Wishes
Sher Agha Hamkar
Office Manager Afghanistan Cricket Board
shamkar@gpfa.org

Posted by: Gourav Chakraborti at April 1, 2009 4:54 AM

I would like to wish u & the whole afganistan team best of luck for the world cup qualifiers. All the indians want u guys to qualify for the 2011 world cup.go Afganistan go. u can do it

Posted by: Ab. Basir Ahmadi at April 1, 2009 4:56 AM

First of all we are really happy that our war victim country is going to play in ICC world cup qualifying round.

Praying from Almighty Allah to make our team mates and also poor and sad nation more boost full in this event.

Requesting from all Afghanis and fans of afghani team to pray for them, and hope so that our cricketers play sensible and hard cricket to bring our dreams true.

Dear players! keep one thing in mind that focus of all world on us and we should prove that we have the ability of playing international cricket, though we don’t have playing grounds in our war turn country, we don’t have governmental support because our high political authorities don’t know about charming of this game and our respectful players don’t have even salary and equipments of playing like other nations have.

Wish you all the best and success for this big event.

With regards,

Ab. Basir ahmadi
HR Manager Kardan.

Posted by: Dad Khan Ahmadzai at April 1, 2009 5:09 AM

Dear All,

Thanks from your comments we really appreciate your love with Cricket Game and Afghanistan, We all pray for the Afghan cricket team sucess in this tournment, and every one wants to see this ware torned country in the world cup. My lots of prays to the Afghan team

Posted by: Abdulrhman Nasir at April 1, 2009 5:12 AM

asslam aly kum
We are wishing our cricket team all the best.
All the Nation back at home is praying for you people & you are not alone in this battle, so never mind against any team, play ur games without any pressure, & there is no matter that u won't bring the succes.
Make us more & more & more proud as u champions have done it before many many times.........Thanks.

Posted by: Kapeel Mopkar at April 1, 2009 5:29 AM

Good luck to you guys...
Hope to see you play in WC 2011.

Posted by: Harry from Delhi at April 1, 2009 5:31 AM

Yours will be a victory for cricket, for sport and for the spirit of humankind. I wish the Afghan team all the very best. Win or lose, you guys are champions!

Posted by: amit at April 1, 2009 5:34 AM

best of luck to all you...hope see you in the World Cup...
amit from India

Posted by: Nasir Ahmad Khogiani at April 1, 2009 5:37 AM

First I would like to thanks all those who have posted comments on our team, its really amazing to read comments from different people form different countries and from different nations, on behalf of the Afghan nation and team I respectfully thanks to all wishes and hopes which you guys have for us. Follow the three steps

1st Field with hot blood and remember the destroy Afghanistan
2nd Bat with cool mind and think of it as the whole nation pride
3rd Start every ball with reciting the holy words

I am sure, we are sure and the world is sure you guys will make it to the 2011 world Cup Congratulation! in Advance always keep remembering the words DO OR DIE, the whole nation is praying for you guys just perform your prayers and go to the ground with full sensation

You guys never have to visualize things do it with complete power Inshallah success will knock the door

Posted by: ahmed naqeeb at April 1, 2009 5:49 AM

I am a Pakistani and I'll fully support Afghanistan in this World cup Qualifiers...Hope you guys do your level best to qualify for the 2011 world cup.Inshallah Afghanistan will be one of the teams in the world cup.i am looking forward to see MY TEAM AFGHANISTAN in 2011.

Posted by: Hilal Khan at April 1, 2009 6:05 AM

Guys good luck today against Denmark. I have seen that you gave 32 free runs to Oman a few days back. That is a lot. Make sure you guys play all 50 overs and do not give free runs (wide-noball) to the other team.

Posted by: ridhwan at April 1, 2009 6:07 AM

All the best guys....you have done great so far. I support UAE, although I surely want you guys to qualify as well...
It would be amazing to see you in India with so many of your brothers supporting you.and i think it will bring some happiness to this war-torn country . ALL THE VERY BEST!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Spinghar Safi at April 1, 2009 6:11 AM

Hameed Hasan you have become a hero to us. There wasn't a wikipedia page about you so I was the first person to enter your name in Wikipedia. I would love to call you "The Jalalabad Express"
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hameed_Hasan

Posted by: Zabihullah Akhterzai at April 1, 2009 6:16 AM

Dear hameed Jan, i know our players dont have that much experience as other teams, but there is a special internsic force in our players and using that inside force and spirit they can beat any strong team. so dont be disappointed and think about one one match dont set big target for your selves. thanks to all those afghan and non afghan friends who support our young team.

INSHALLAH AFGHANISTAN TEAM WILL WIN THE FINAL

Posted by: Vikram Maingi at April 1, 2009 6:36 AM

All the best to the Afghanistan Team.
Although, getting a berth for 2011 World Cup might be a very tough ask for the Afghanis, but a good, disciplined performance can fetch them an ODI status. This ODI status will be a great booster for the Afghan Team and should make 2015 World Cup berth much easier for them.

Once again, all the good luck to you guys.

Posted by: Rohullah Stanakzai at April 1, 2009 6:58 AM

Salamona To all,
First special thanks to all Afghans, Pakistanis and Indians who support Afghan team and
best of luck to my cricket team, guys we all pray for u and we know u can do it u can take us to world cup (khodawand hamrai hama tan basha)

Posted by: Abdullah Rahmani at April 1, 2009 7:10 AM

First of peace and blessing on all of you who made great comments about Afghan Team. It is great to see that we have support of people from all around the world. Thank you all.

Dear Hamid Worora!

Wining and losing are parts of every game. No body knows what will happen in future, except ALLAH. We cant do anything for our team, except ask ALLAH to give success to our team. And what we want from our team members are:
Do your best+Hard work as much as you can+Be humble and ask ALLAH from bottom of your hearts= I am sure success will be yours.

Millions of people inside and outside Afghanistan are closely following you guys, and pray for your success.

Keep in mind that if you can fly to South Africa which is far away in other continent, I am sure you can fly to India, which is right beside our homeland.

Blessing on you all!

Posted by: Dawood Massoud ( Sydney Australia) at April 1, 2009 8:26 AM

Salam Alkium Hamid Brother.
First of all you guys are the bright spot for our war beaten country, your achivements gives hopes to all Afghans. It shows that Afghans are standing on there feet and God willing will move on from unending wars.
I am an Afghan physiotherapist living in Sydney and wanted to come and help you guys during the tournment, in SA. Inshallah you guys get the OID statue and get to 2011 World cup and I get to help you guys.
Best of luck for next 2 weeks.
Dawood

Posted by: Khan at April 1, 2009 9:13 AM

Inshallah there is nothing impossible. Incase of Afghanistan we have a very good chance. We are gonna lighten up this world cup. 2011 we r coming and you wut we are the best supporters in the world. lol i hope nobody mess up with us. kidding come on my Loins you guys are in our prayers. Afghanistan is the most capable and humble team. Kisses and huges

Posted by: Ali ahmad at April 1, 2009 10:27 AM

Best of luck We all Proud of you all
I realy love all of your guy
hope all of your guys find a nice place in world cup.
and i belive on it that all of you guys working very hard and GOD will give you the result of it


YOUR
Bigger fan
(DARWISH) pakitiawal

Posted by: An MCC member at April 1, 2009 11:13 AM

If Afghanistan qualifies for the World Cup it will be a glorious and wonderful thing. No matter what the result, I shall be sure to buy myself a replica Afghanistan cap which I shall wear with fierce pride.

Posted by: David Worsley at April 1, 2009 11:39 AM

Good luck, guys. It will be tough, but hopefully you'll do it!

Posted by: Zia (USA) at April 1, 2009 3:09 PM

We are proud of you guys!!! Just read that you won the first match in SA :)

I have followed you guys close during these games, you guys are a miracle!!!

You guys have shown how much you can overcome against overwhelming odds, great job.

Posted by: Askar Niazi, Stockholm Sweden at April 1, 2009 3:56 PM

Well done guys...You beat Scandinavian's best cricket team today :D :) I'll call it a MIGHTY start!! Comparing the facilities in both countries,I say you'd beat even stronger teams like England if you get the same oppurtunities as Danish team have!! I'm going to play this year in a 20/20 tournament against all the Scandinavian countries and hopefully Sweden can beat them all!! Peace n luv

Posted by: Abdullah Rahmani at April 1, 2009 7:41 PM

Congratulations for whole nation for stepping forward towards our dream of WC2011. They won the first game. MASHALLAH
May ALLAH give you all more strenght.

Posted by: Spinghar Safi at April 1, 2009 9:51 PM

Cangratulations to all Afghans. We have won our first match against Denmark. Hope to see some nice bowling from Hameed Hassan tomorrow against Barmuda!!

Posted by: Ab. Basir Ahmadi at April 2, 2009 5:37 AM

We proud on all respectful afghani players! Congratulations to them and want to congratulate the whole nation and all lovers of the afghani team around the world.
Hard work, great combination, efficient team work with prayers of poor nation and the result became the first victory in the ICCWORLDCUPQUALIFIER competition; we would really love to see such as moments again and again.

Well done guys, keep it going on one day might the world know Afghanistan because of his cricket team, and for sure it will happen.

With best regards,

Ab. Basir ahmadi
HR Manager Kardan.

Posted by: Samuel at April 2, 2009 6:43 AM

Best of luck, really want to see you guys in international cricket and, eventually, Tests.

Posted by: lakesidey at April 2, 2009 9:00 AM

Congrats on opening with a win :) one or two more and you'll be in the next stage....best of luck against Bermuda!

Posted by: Arsad bin sailav at April 2, 2009 2:17 PM

Assalamu alaikum hamid brother. All the best to u and Afghanistan cricket team. I am a Bangladeshi and i would like to see Afghanistan playing Bangladesh in 2011 CWC. With best wishes from ur Bangladeshi brother. May almighty Allah help u guys on the way

Posted by: Abdullah Rahmani at April 2, 2009 5:14 PM

Congratulationsssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a great performance with both bat and ball.
Keep going with confidence. Whole nation's prayers are with you all.
May ALLAH give us good news in coming days too.

Posted by: Mohamamd Sadiq Kakar at April 2, 2009 6:29 PM

1st Congratulations for the 2nd successive victories in world cup qualifiers in South Africa !!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

im really hopefull that u guys will get to super 8 inshallah by the prayers of all afghans across the world .

we will wait what happens on saturday with kenya

ok we all still have to pray for our sweet and proudful cricket team more and more ...

Best Regards: Mohammad Sadiq "Kakar" From Mazar-e-Sharif Afghanistan

If u have any thing to tell me please do contact me at my cell phones

0093708569806 and 0093786278678 http://sadiqkakar2009.blogfa.com

Posted by: Dr. Samir More at April 2, 2009 7:27 PM

Its really a pretty good start guys, winning two out of two. All us Indians are completely rooting for you. You seem to be well set to reach the super-eights now. Congratulations.
Hope you would be a little more careful as the competition gets more tougher now with Kenya, UAE and Netherlands slated up for next. All the best for that. Do your best. Go, Afghanistan, go!

Posted by: rahulrulezz at April 2, 2009 11:54 PM

Best of luck to Afghanistan...
Your Cricket team is an prime example of hard work and determination... Really wish to see both Canada and Afghanistan in Worldcup...

Rahul

Posted by: Ian at April 3, 2009 2:10 AM

What a remarkable story this is. Afghanistan a strife torn country has something very positive to cheer about. I want to wish them all the best for the Qualifiers. Just read that so far they're 2 wins from 2 Congrats to you.

Posted by: Haji Mohammad at April 3, 2009 6:29 AM

Congrats to Afghanistan cricket team for the two victories. We hope they make a upset over KENYA on Saturday to confirm their place in the next round. We all pray for you AFGHANISTAN.....

Posted by: Spinghar Safi at April 3, 2009 6:37 AM

2nd win for Afghanistan against Barmuda...congrats to you and hope you win your most important match against Kenya and we are then in super 8!

Posted by: Tameem Nekzai at April 4, 2009 12:03 AM

Good luck Team Afghanistan.
I grew up rooting for other countries and cities and this is first time ever in my life that I am following my country in cricket. Words can not express my feelings but it is an amazing feeling to follow your national team in international competetion. I would love to see Afghanistan in WC2011

GO AFGHANISTAN GO!!!!!

Posted by: Tameem Nekzai at April 4, 2009 12:03 AM

Good luck Team Afghanistan.
I grew up rooting for other countries and cities and this is first time ever in my life that I am following my country in cricket. Words can not express my feelings but it is an amazing feeling to follow your national team in international competetion. I would love to see Afghanistan in WC2011

GO AFGHANISTAN GO!!!!!

Posted by: Sayed Omer at April 4, 2009 5:13 PM

good luck guys we are praying for our team to qualify for 2011 and play in india we hope our champs will do it omer from kabul

Posted by: Gul Khan at April 5, 2009 7:28 AM

Assalaam-o-alaikum,
I have seen you in Peshawar.You guys are really hardworking.You Coach Nadeem Khan was an excellent Left arm bowler of his days[Ex Pakistani Player].I hope Inshallah you guys will qualify for the next worlcup.But you have to do real hard work against netherland, UAE as you guys already lost to Kenya.
Wish You guys Best of Luck.
Allah Hafiz

Posted by: Nasrat at April 6, 2009 11:52 AM

its great to see Afghanistan playing cricket as international level, despite numerous problem in the country like economically, politically, my wish and hope is to see them in up comming world cup of 2011. Nasrat jabal saraj

Posted by: Syed Abdul Wahab Khost at April 17, 2009 6:33 AM

We are very proud of young and talented team, you have perfomed well and we still hope to get through the 2011 world cup but what needed is to beat Namibia with a big margin we pray for you and wish our team all the best.May God help you in today's mathch.Best wishes and best luck guys.

Posted by: JimmyBean at October 1, 2009 11:35 AM

I don't know If I said it already but ...This blog rocks! I gotta say, that I read a lot of blogs on a daily basis and for the most part, people lack substance but, I just wanted to make a quick comment to say I'm glad I found your blog. Thanks, :)

A definite great read..Jim Bean

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