This was a game that took many months to organise and there were some hundred spectators present; which is unheard of in Afghanistan! The game itself may be in the cricket news for being a remarkable venture and a first of its kind, but the situation on the ground in Kabul is making it difficult for the families of the players back home to be at ease about the players playing in Afghanistan.
James Emmons, one of the Ditchling players was reported by the BBC cricket news as having said, "My mum's been pretty quiet about it but my dad had a lot to say. He wasn't overly keen on it." According to Emmons the security is extremely tight, and restrictions are many however he said there had been no ‘scary moments so far’.
The atmosphere was interesting; with the Afghan trumpet being heard from time to time, but refreshments being of a distinctly English kind, with cheese and tomato rolls and turkey sandwiches, and green tea.
This is a rematch of a sort; Ditchling had first played the Afghan side in 2006 when the team that was supposed to play dropped out and the village team took its place. And when a rematch was suggested to be held in Kabul there was much skepticism. When the match did finally take place, the Afghans were delighted and amazed as well. Hamid Hassan, one of the Afghan national cricketers said, "It's amazing that the team visited Afghanistan. We're thrilled to have them here."
Another player from the team, Khalik Dad Noori said that he was hopeful of the match deepening ties and that they would invite Ditchling again when they had a decent ground and good security. The Afghans are even hopeful that other country teams would consent to come and play in Afghanistan.
Quite surprisingly, it was the Afghan team that won, looking a much better team than they were when they first played Ditchling in 2006. Even more surprising in the margin by which they won; by 124 rums and therefore retained the Kabul Cup. The afghan team is good enough that it came close to qualifying for the Cricket World Cup last month. And Ditchling, for its part would enjoy playing the Afghans again, only this time they would prefer a home match!
