The state of Afgani cricket

The Pajhwok Afjhan News reports that the lack of proper playing areas, and pitches, is the main impediment for the promotion of cricket in Afghanistan. This problem is dramatically highlighted in the picture on the right (click here to see the full-size version, and here for another photo), where a group of cricket fans can be seen playing a game on a concrete wasteland, in front of a destroyed helicopter.

The newspaper continues:

He said Afghanistan had a lot of talent and if certain problems faced by the players were addressed, they would be able to join the international level games in the coming 10 years.

He said his stay in Afghanistan was meant to review the situation and find areas where the Asian Cricket Federation could help in promotion of the game here.

Expressing surprise over the promotion of cricket in Afghanistan, Sikandar said he never presumed such a development. He said cricket is the most popular game in Afghanistan.

He said in order to promote the game, there must be an international standard playground. But it is a pity that there was not even a simple ground in Afghanistan, he added.