After winning the ICC World Cup Qualifier 2018, Afghanistan cricket team received a heroes welcome when they reached Kabul. At one stage of the tournament, Afghanistan were almost out of the competition. Even their cricket chief issued a public apology for team’s dismal behaviour. However, back by other favourable results and winning momentum, Afghanistan made it to Super Sixes round and thereafter to the final. In the summit clash, the Asghar Stanikzai-led side defeated Windies by seven wickets to win the tournament and thus qualify for next year’s world cup to be held in England.

There was not just the heroes welcome in store for the Champions, but  a mega celebration event for Afghanistan cricket team was organised which was attended by high ranking government officials, ACB leadership, civil society and cricket fans. Same was evident from an Afghan Cricket Board tweet.

Following Afghanistan’s win, ICC Chief Executive David Richardson congratulated the team and welcomed them and Windies for the tournament proper. “On behalf of the ICC, I want to congratulate Afghanistan for their efforts in recovering from a slow start to take this prestigious title and, both them and the West Indies for qualifying for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. We look forward to welcoming them along with the eight top-ranked ODI teams in England and Wales for what I’m sure will be highly competitive event,” Richardson said.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan after being recently awarded full Test status by the ICC will take on Indian in their maiden Test in Bangalore in June.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 28, 2018 04:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).