Source: NDTV Sports

In the vibrant tapestry of international cricket, few narratives resonate with as much warmth and significance as the burgeoning relationship between India and Afghanistan. Beyond the fiercely contested boundaries and the pursuit of silverware, a unique bond of mentorship, camaraderie, and mutual respect has blossomed, creating a powerful testament to cricket’s ability to build bridges. This deep connection was recently celebrated with great fanfare at ‘Koh-e-Zafar’ (Mountain of Triumph), a special event hosted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) this past Wednesday.

The timing of the event, coming amidst a competitive three-match T20I series at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium – which India has already sealed with two commanding victories ahead of the final T20I on Thursday – only amplified its importance. It was an occasion not just to acknowledge the ongoing sporting rivalry, but to pause and reflect on a shared journey that has seen Afghanistan rise through the ranks of international cricket, often with India as a steadfast ally and a welcoming ‘home’.

A Mountain of Triumph: Celebrating a Unique Bond

The ‘Koh-e-Zafar’ event brought together key figures from both nations: officials from the ACB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), alongside a host of Indian and Afghan cricketers. The evening was meticulously crafted to celebrate the long-standing history and friendship between the two boards, serving as a powerful recognition of their shared cricketing journey and the strong relationship that has developed between these two cricketing nations over the years.

The Afghan-themed celebration was rich with symbolic gestures. It commenced with an opening address, followed by an audio-visual presentation that eloquently highlighted their shared cricketing path. A heartfelt exchange of gifts between Afghan and Indian players symbolised their enduring friendship, leading into an interactive conversation that offered insights into their mutual respect. The ACB also took the opportunity to felicitate the BCCI leadership, acknowledging India’s pivotal role and the enduring nature of their cricketing relationship.

Voices of Respect: Captains and All-rounders Speak

Shreyas Iyer on Afghanistan’s Indomitable Spirit

India’s T20I team skipper, Shreyas Iyer, a central figure in the ongoing series, eloquently articulated the profound admiration India holds for Afghanistan’s cricketing ethos. Speaking at ‘Koh-e-Zafar’, Iyer praised Afghanistan’s ‘fighting spirit’ and underscored the strong relationship that defines encounters between the two teams. He highlighted the competitive yet gracious nature of their contests, stating, ‘They are indomitable in their approach, and whenever they step onto the field, they always put up a fight with a smiling face. So, it’s obviously a great relationship and interaction that we have with them whenever they come to India, or we meet them at any of the ICC events.’

Iyer revealed a brief interaction with Afghan batter Ibrahim Zadran, who despite being ‘quite hungry and disappointed’ by the series loss, remained eager to improve and compete. This sentiment, Iyer noted, encapsulates the Afghan team’s drive: ‘you could see the hunger they had to win. They want to go ahead and improve their skills as much as possible.’ He reiterated India’s enjoyment in playing against Afghanistan, describing their encounters as consistently ‘competitive series overall’, driven by a genuine ‘hunger to win’ from the visitors.

Looking at the broader picture, Iyer reflected on how the relationship has ‘blossomed over the years’, commending the ‘love and support’ received from Afghan fans, especially when travelling abroad. He offered a message of encouragement, suggesting that Afghan players, who he described as ‘so skilful and talented in their own way’, merely need consistent victories to build confidence and ‘move up the ranks’ in international cricket. ‘It’s just a matter of time,’ he asserted, ‘once they start winning consistently, they will definitely move up the ranks.’

Mohammad Nabi’s Indian Connection

Echoing the sentiments of shared history and mutual benefit, Afghanistan’s veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi spoke warmly of his team’s experiences in India. Nabi highlighted the invaluable ‘experience’ he and his teammates have gained from playing in India, particularly through their participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He recalled fond memories, noting, ‘It’s helped a lot since 2017. We played in the IPL and started there. Before 2016, we played the World Cup there, and we won one game against the West Indies. The West Indies went on to win the World Cup.’ For Nabi, it’s ‘always a pleasure to play there’, underscoring the joy and learning derived from competing on Indian soil.

India: A Home Away From Home

The narrative of India serving as a ‘home’ venue for Afghan cricket is not merely sentimental; it’s a practical reality that has significantly shaped Afghanistan’s cricketing journey. Over the years, the team has played numerous ‘home’ series in India, providing them with crucial exposure and a stable base for development in challenging times.

This enduring synergy culminated in a truly historic moment in June 2018, when Afghanistan played its first-ever Test match against India at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This landmark event was not only Afghanistan’s entry into the pinnacle of cricket but also a profound reflection of the robust relationship between the two cricket boards. Ibrahim Zadran reiterated this deep appreciation, expressing gratitude for the ‘lots of love and support’ from fans in Delhi and across India, asserting that it ‘means a lot to the team’ whenever they play in the country.

IPL’s Unifying Power and Shared Camaraderie

The Indian Premier League has played an indispensable role in integrating Afghan cricketers into the global cricketing fraternity and, crucially, into the hearts of Indian fans. Players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, and Azmatullah Omarzai have become ‘household names’ in India, captivating audiences with their electrifying performances and garnering widespread respect and affection. This immersion in the IPL has fostered personal and professional bonds that transcend national rivalries.

India’s wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan offered a personal perspective on this camaraderie. He praised Afghanistan’s players for their ‘competitive spirit’ and admitted that playing against them is ‘always fun’ due to the familiarity forged through the IPL. Kishan highlighted the ‘good human beings’ they are and the ‘good learning’ he derives from these encounters. He specifically recalled his experience with Mohammad Nabi at Mumbai Indians, noting, ‘I’ve played with Nabi bhai at Mumbai Indians, and he used to help me a lot during batting sessions as well, explaining how he was planning to bowl.’ This intimate knowledge of each other’s game, combined with Afghanistan’s undeniable ‘hunger’ on the field to ‘take wickets every time’, transforms every match into a valuable learning experience for both sides, strengthening the bond further.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Afghan Cricket

The ‘Koh-e-Zafar’ event wasn’t just a look back at shared history; it also cast an eye towards the future of Afghan cricket. The Afghanistan Premier League (APL) trophy, proudly displayed during the evening, served as a powerful symbol of the country’s cricketing aspirations. The launch of the APL, slated to begin on December 27, 2026, with an upcoming season featuring five teams, underscores the ‘growth of Afghan cricket’ and the ‘continued development of the sport’ in the nation.

Such initiatives, coupled with the consistent international exposure facilitated by relationships like the one with India, are crucial for Afghanistan to fulfil Shreyas Iyer’s prediction of ‘moving up the ranks’. The event also saw the launch of the Suzuki Cup India-Japan Trophy, suggesting broader international collaborations that will undoubtedly benefit cricket’s global landscape.

Conclusion

The ‘Koh-e-Zafar’ celebration was far more than a ceremonial gathering; it was a profound acknowledgement of a unique and deeply impactful cricketing relationship. India’s unwavering support, from providing a ‘home’ venue to integrating Afghan talent into the IPL, has been instrumental in Afghanistan’s remarkable ascent in international cricket. The mutual respect articulated by players like Shreyas Iyer, Mohammad Nabi, Ibrahim Zadran, and Ishan Kishan underscores a bond that transcends mere competition.

As the final T20I of the series approaches on September 17, 2026, the scoreboard will tell one story, but the true narrative woven at ‘Koh-e-Zafar’ tells another: one of friendship, resilience, and a shared passion for the game. This enduring partnership promises to foster even greater cricketing talent and continue building bridges, ensuring that the mountain of triumph for Afghanistan’s cricket journey is scaled hand-in-hand with India.

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Disclaimer: This article draws on reporting originally published by NDTV Sports, expanded with additional analysis and context by the Cricket Mantra editorial team.