Interview/ The Greater Noida connect that helped transform Afghanistan & Rashid Khan from players to superstars

Afghanistan scripted a historic win over Pakistan by 8 wickets, and several players in the Afghanistan cricket team delivered meticulous performances. Indians all across the country lauded over Afghanistan's win. However, the excitement was a bit more in Greater Noida , as this place was home to the Afghanistan cricket team from 2015 to 2020. Although the contract with the team for Shaheed Vijay Pathik stadium in Greater Noida was till 2023 but after the global outbreak of COVID-19, the Afghanistan team had to leave India.

The Republic Network had an Exclusive conversation with Amit Singh, the venue head for the Noida Indoor Stadium. Amit was also the Assistant manager at Shaheed Vijay Pathik Stadium which was the training ground for the Afghanistan cricket team.

Q: What was your first reaction when Afghanistan defeated Pakistan ?

A: I got goosebumps, I can't express in words because these players have trained very hard all these years. Since the start of match Afghanistan Team was well coordinated and Pakistan lacked coordination and moreover the Pakistan players seemed to play for themselves more than for the country. I was elated because it is also a personal win. I have known players like Rashid Khan, Nabi, Mujeeb, Mohammad Shehzad, Hashmatullah Shahid and others since 2015 and many players are still in touch. Mujeeb was only 15 years old when he came to the stadium and was very shy, he used to speak less and only concentrate on the game and his practice. Watching them play meticulously yesterday reminded me of old tournaments back in 2015 and 2016 against Zimbabwe.

Q: How many players in the current Afghanistan squad have practiced and played in Greater Noida?

A: Almost 7-8 players. Rashid Khan when came to Greater Noida, he was already playing U-17 and Nabi also was a star and international player in 2015 when he came here. Mujeeb was young and Hashmatullah was 19 years old, Mohammad Shehzad was also the same age. When these players first arrived in Greater Noida, they were mesmerized by the spacious stadium, huge dressing rooms, big VIP seating arrangement, greenery, and wide roads of Greater Noida. They never complained about anything, they had huge respect for India and always addressed me also as "Big Brother".

Q: How many matches did they play in Greater Noida?

A: Their first-ever tournament U-19 was hosted in Vijay Pathik Stadium against Zimbabwe in December 2015, it was a bilateral series with Zimbabwe. Later in 2016 Zimbabwe A Team was hosted by Afghanistan A in January for 4 days. It was in January and February of 2016. In 2016 again Afghanistan hosted Kenya's senior team ICC in the Intercontinental Cup, and the match was won by Afghanistan.

In 2017, Afghanistan hosted Ireland in an ODI series and T20I series in March. They again hosted the Irish men for the ICC Intercontinental Cup. In 2020 Afghanistan vs Ireland T20 match was played, it was a 3-match series in which Afghanistan won and it was Afghanistan's last international match in India as a home team. After this match, only The Afghanistan cricket team was awarded with the status of a full member of the ICC.

We were very hopeful that things would get better and at that time also we ensured all the safety of the Afghanistan Cricket Team, but they had to leave during COVID-19 and the contract with the team also expired in 2023 , after that I only got to meet the players when they are in India. I am still in touch with Rashid Khan and the management officials of the Afghanistan Cricket Team.

Q: Do you think Afghanistan has a chance to qualify for the Semi-finals?

A: I am 100% confident that Afghanistan will qualify for the World Cup semi-finals. This team is not anymore an underdog team, they have groomed in years by playing in T20 and IPL majorly and the confidence is visible on their faces. I have seen these players in their early cricketing career and now they have transformed themselves with unconventional techniques in the ground. Rashid Khan has always been an all-rounder and Mujeeb is a world-class spinner. Noor Ahmad the youngest player has a unique style of bowling. The players have mastered cricketing skills over the years as far as I have seen them. The players were confident this time that they were going to win. I say this because I spoke to one of my friends who looks after the management of this team. The boys were confident and knew that they would shine. About Pakistan, I doubt that they can make it to the knockouts because the players are mostly playing for themselves, the team is scattered, they have the best batsmen in Babar and Rizwan but they still they couldn't deliver.

Q: What do you miss the most about Afghanistan cricket team?

A: I miss how Rashid Khan use to say "Bhai, Masala Tea chahiye". Rashid Khan was a huge fan of Indian tea and back in those days when he entered the stadium, the first thing he used to ask for was Masala Tea, two cups of masala tea in a day made him happy. I recall several good days with the players. Nabi always said he wanted to break the windows of my office which was inside the stadium, he wanted to feel the gully cricket vibe. The players since their initial days were like a knitted group, they helped each other and were friendly with all the staff members and officials of the Vijay Pathik Stadium. I remember Players jogging from Crown Plaza to Stadium every day during their series and matches. The police escort vehicle always stuck to the players while jogging in the middle with with the team bus following them.

Q:  Did u speak to any player after the historic win ?

A: I couldn't speak to players but I spoke to coach and seniors from management and congratulated them. I have texted Rashid Khan with a congratulatory message. I am hoping that he will reply me once he gets free from the tournament.