Afghanistan Cricket Board Celebrates Friendship with India at 'Koh-E-Zafar' Event

A Celebration of Cricketing Bonds

On September 16, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) organized a special event named 'Koh-E-Zafar' (Mountain of Triumph) in New Delhi, uniting officials from the ACB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), alongside cricketers from both nations.

This memorable evening honored the enduring friendship and shared cricketing history between the two boards, showcasing the strong ties that have developed over the years.

Currently, India and Afghanistan are competing in a three-match T20I series at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, with India having already clinched the series by winning the first two matches. The final T20I is set for tomorrow.

The 'Koh-E-Zafar' event, themed around Afghan culture, highlighted this spirit of camaraderie through various special moments. The program featured an opening speech and an audiovisual presentation celebrating their cricketing journey, along with a gift exchange between players from both teams as a symbol of friendship. An interactive discussion with players from both sides was also part of the evening, during which the ACB recognized the leadership of the BCCI for their ongoing cricketing partnership.

Praise for Afghanistan's Spirit

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 fiercely. Iyer emphasized that matches against Afghanistan are always competitive and highlighted their determination to win.

“They are relentless in their approach, and every time they step onto the field, they bring their fighting spirit with a smile. Our relationship is strong, whether in India or at ICC events,” he remarked.

Iyer also noted the growing relationship between the two nations, appreciating the support from fans in both India and Afghanistan. He expressed confidence that consistent victories would bolster Afghanistan's confidence and elevate their standing in international cricket.

Afghanistan's Cricketing Journey

Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi shared that playing in India, especially in the IPL, has been instrumental for him and his teammates. He fondly recalled their experiences in India, stating, “Since 2017, playing in the IPL has been a significant learning opportunity for us. We cherish our time in India and the experiences we gain from it.”

India has served as a 'home' venue for Afghan cricket, with the team having played numerous home series there. Their first-ever Test match against India at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in June 2018 marked a pivotal moment in Afghanistan's cricketing history, symbolizing the strong ties between the two boards.

Support from Fans and IPL Connections

Ibrahim Zadran expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from fans in Delhi and across India, emphasizing how much it means to the team. He stated, “The love and encouragement we receive from the people of Delhi and India is invaluable to us.”

Several Afghan players have made their mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with stars like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi becoming household names in India, showcasing the respect they have earned.

Ishan Kishan praised the competitive spirit of Afghan players, noting that their shared experiences in the IPL enhance the enjoyment of their matches. He highlighted his interactions with Nabi during their time at Mumbai Indians, which have contributed to his learning and growth as a player.

Looking Ahead

The evening also featured the APL trophy, celebrating the growth of Afghan cricket, with the Afghanistan Premier League set to commence on December 27, 2026, featuring five teams.

Additionally, the event marked the launch of the Suzuki Cup India – Japan trophy, further enriching the cricketing festivities.

The 'Koh-E-Zafar' event took place just before the final T20I of the series between India and Afghanistan, scheduled for September 17, 2026.