Celebrating Cricket: India and Afghanistan Strengthen Bonds at 'Koh-E-Zafar' Event

The 'Koh-E-Zafar' event hosted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board celebrated the enduring cricketing friendship between India and Afghanistan. With officials and players from both nations in attendance, the evening highlighted their shared history and competitive spirit. India's T20I captain Shreyas Iyer praised Afghanistan's resilience, while all-rounder Mohammad Nabi reflected on the valuable experiences gained from playing in India. The event also marked the launch of the Afghanistan Premier League trophy and the Suzuki Cup, showcasing the growth of Afghan cricket. As the two teams prepare for their final T20I match, the spirit of camaraderie continues to thrive.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 16, 2026, 23:04 IST

A Special Evening for Cricketing Friendship

On Wednesday, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) organized 'Koh-E-Zafar' (Mountain of Triumph), a remarkable event that united officials from the ACB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), alongside cricketers from both nations. This gathering celebrated the enduring friendship and shared cricketing history between India and Afghanistan.

Currently, the two teams are competing in a three-match T20I series at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium, where India has already clinched the series by winning the first two matches. The final T20I is set for tomorrow. The 'Koh-E-Zafar' event highlighted this camaraderie through various special activities, including an opening speech, a video presentation showcasing their cricketing journey, and a gift exchange between players as a symbol of friendship.

Shreyas Iyer Reflects on the India-Afghanistan Connection

During the event, India's T20I captain Shreyas Iyer commended Afghanistan's resilience and the strong bond between the two teams. He mentioned a conversation with Ibrahim Zadran, who, despite feeling disappointed about the series loss, expressed a desire to improve and compete.

Iyer noted, 'They are relentless in their approach, always stepping onto the field with determination. Our relationship is strong, whether in India or during ICC events.' He emphasized the importance of competitive encounters and the opportunity to play against Afghanistan.

Mohammad Nabi on Playing in India

Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi shared his thoughts on the valuable experiences gained from playing in India, including the IPL. He expressed fond memories of competing in the country, stating, 'Playing in India has been a pleasure, and we've gained a lot of experience since 2017.'

A Historic Cricketing Journey

India has served as a 'home' venue for Afghan cricket, with several home series played there. The historic first Test match for Afghanistan against India took place at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in June 2018, marking a significant milestone in their cricketing history.

Ibrahim Zadran Appreciates Indian Fan Support

Ibrahim Zadran expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from fans in Delhi and across India, stating, 'The love and encouragement we receive mean a lot to us.' He acknowledged the strong backing from Indian fans during their matches.

IPL's Role in Strengthening Ties

Many Afghan cricketers, including Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, have made a name for themselves in the Indian Premier League (IPL), showcasing their talent and earning respect among Indian fans. Ishan Kishan praised their competitive spirit and highlighted the enjoyable nature of matches against Afghanistan, noting his experiences with Nabi during their time at Mumbai Indians.

Launch of APL Trophy and Suzuki Cup

The evening also featured the unveiling of the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) trophy, symbolizing the growth of Afghan cricket. The APL is set to commence on December 27, 2026, featuring five teams. Additionally, the Suzuki Cup India-Japan trophy was launched, coinciding with the final T20I of the series scheduled for September 17, 2026.