Cricket offers Afghans respite from horrors at home
Hundreds of Afghan cricket fans living in the UAE took the day off yesterday to watch their country’s Asia Cup match against Sri Lanka.
Many residents from the wartorn nation said sport, particularly cricket, had become a source of great relief from the misery of news of continued fighting back home.
At the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, hundreds of taxi drivers, labourers and others gathered to cheer on their team. Fans said the match was a chance to celebrate their nation and forget about being away from family and loved ones back home.
“I would never miss this match,” said Abdul Jaleel Othman, 32, an Afghan resident who works as a taxi driver.
“I managed to take this day off to watch it with friends.
“Loyalty is crucial to Afghan cricket fans.”
The Afghan war is now the longest conflict in United States history, with no sign of an end in sight.
Most experts agree the country is more unstable now than at any point in its recent history. Today, the Taliban control more territory in the nation’s 34 provinces than they have since their removal from power in 2001. Their ability to carry out attacks against government forces remains devastating.
Speaking to The National, Mr Othman said he worked in the UAE to help support his family back home. He said he was a big cricket fan and the match against Sri Lanka offered the perfect opportunity to take some rare time off with friends.
“There is war in my country and the situation there has been the same for almost two decades,” he said.
“My two daughters, wife, and mother all live there. We’ve got used to it.
“I organised taking the day off today to watch the match and I’m planning on listening to future matches over the radio.”
Mohammed Sadiq, 20, an Afghan who works in the UAE as a gardener, said he planned to watch all the Asia Cup matches being played in the UAE.
“It’s an opportunity to leave work and family stress behind,” he said.
“There is so much trouble in my home country but we’re still hoping the bombing and shooting will stop soon.
“I’m planning to go there for one month soon to see my family.
“It’s nice to watch the match here in the stadium as back home we do not have such privileges.”
Yesterday, Afghanistan’s skipper Asghar Afghan won the toss and opted to bat in the Asia Cup Group B match.
Sri Lanka, who lost the opening match to Bangladesh by 137 runs in Dubai, made three changes to their line up, bringing in spinners Akila Dananjaya, Shehan Jayasuriya and Niroshan Dickwella.
Speaking from the stadium, Othman Saeed, 23, an Afghan labourer, also said the game offered an opportunity to unwind.
“I truly cannot believe what is happening in Afghanistan,” he said. “We just pray that everyone will be extra cautious.
“I am just enjoying my day with friends because cricket is our favourite sport.
“I am hoping we will win today. If we do, my friends and I will host a party.”