Cricket could overtake football in Afghanistan
The BBC have an in-depth report on cricket in Afghanistan where the sport's popularity continues to thrive, in spite of the lack of money available for pitches, grounds and so forth
Will Luke
25-Feb-2013
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The BBC have an in-depth report on cricket in Afghanistan where the sport's popularity continues to thrive, in spite of the lack of money available for pitches, grounds and so forth.
No wonder many boys begin playing only to discover that it is difficult to make a living from the game.
"We have lost a lot of boys because of lack of money. Still there is no let-up in enthusiasm," says Taj Malik, the coach of the national team.
Cricket is now being played in 28 of the country's 34 provinces, up from four provinces during Taleban rule. There are some 12,000 registered cricketers playing at various levels.
At this rate, cricket, say experts, is on its way to overtaking football and buzkashi - a sport in which competitors on horseback drag a dead calf over a scoreline - as the most popular sport in the country.
Read the full article.
Will Luke is assistant editor of ESPNcricinfo