‘Not here just to participate’ – Shahidi eyes CT glory

Afghanistan Aims to Win 2025 Champions Trophy, Not Just Participate, Says Hashmatullah Shahidi

Afghanistan’s Ambitious Approach as they Enter 2025 Champions Trophy

Afghanistan’s cricket team has made it clear that they are not just participating in the 2025 Champions Trophy but are determined to claim their maiden ICC title. Under the leadership of Hashmatullah Shahidi, the team is entering the tournament with high confidence, having recently dominated in multiple ODI series.

Afghanistan’s Recent Success and Form

• Afghanistan comes into the Champions Trophy following four consecutive ODI series wins:
  • Against Ireland
  • Against South Africa
  • Against Bangladesh
  • Against Zimbabwe
• Their remarkable performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup saw them defeat three former champions: England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
• Additionally, Afghanistan reached the semi-finals of the 2023 T20 World Cup held in the United States and the West Indies, further boosting their confidence.

Hashmatullah Shahidi’s Statement on Afghanistan’s Goals

Ahead of Afghanistan’s opening match against South Africa on February 21, Shahidi made it clear that the team is targeting the Champions Trophy title:

• “We are not here just to participate in this tournament. We are definitely 100% looking to win this event,” said Shahidi.
• He emphasized the team’s confidence, stating, “We have played a lot of quality cricket over the past two years. The boys are very experienced, and these conditions suit us well. We have a good chance, and we hope to start with a win and maintain that momentum throughout the tournament.”
• Shahidi also reflected on Afghanistan’s recent victory against South Africa in Sharjah, where they won the series 2-1, which further boosted their morale.
• He added, “We are not under pressure. Right now, we are focused on what we can do in this tournament. Our team is ready, and we are focusing on our own performance.”

Afghanistan Focuses on On-Field Performance Amid Political Controversies

Shahidi addressed concerns about potential boycotts by some nations due to political issues, particularly the Afghanistan women’s team’s exclusion under Taliban rule.

• “As sportsmen, our job is to play cricket. We don’t care what’s going on outside. We only control things inside the ground,” Shahidi said.
• He reassured that Afghanistan’s focus remains on their game: “In the last three years, our on-field performance has been great, and that’s what we can control.”

Afghanistan’s Growing Cricket Infrastructure

Shahidi also highlighted that Afghanistan has the necessary infrastructure to host international cricket, despite security concerns.

• “There’s a misconception that Afghanistan lacks facilities. We have good facilities, cricket academies, and stadiums in every zone,” he said.
• He noted the presence of a high-performance center in Kabul and Jalalabad, as well as multiple stadiums throughout the country.
• Shahidi expressed hope that security concerns would soon be resolved, allowing international teams to visit Afghanistan. “In the future, one of the countries will come to Afghanistan, and you will see the crowd support we have. There’s tremendous enthusiasm for cricket.”
• He added, “When we play domestic cricket, the stadiums are packed with over 50,000 fans. There is huge excitement for cricket in Afghanistan, and I’m sure any team coming here will be welcomed by thousands of fans.”

Afghanistan’s Schedule in the 2025 Champions Trophy

• Opening Match: Afghanistan vs. South Africa on February 21 in Karachi
• Upcoming Matches:
  • Afghanistan vs. England on February 26 in Lahore
  • Afghanistan vs. Australia on February 28 in Lahore

Afghanistan’s Determination to Make a Mark

Afghanistan’s cricket team is heading into the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy with a clear goal to win the title, backed by a strong track record and belief in their abilities. The team’s journey in this prestigious tournament will be closely watched, as they aim to build on their recent successes and further establish themselves on the global cricketing stage.