By In 2018, the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun came alive with an electrifying T20I series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh. For Afghanistan, this wasn’t just a series; it was a milestone in their cricketing journey. Playing an international match in India symbolised their growth as a cricketing nation and highlighted India’s significant role in fostering the sport across Asia and to its friendly nations.
India, the powerhouse of global cricket, has actively supported neighbouring countries like Afghanistan, Nepal, and the UAE, enabling them to grow in stature on the international stage. India has helped elevate cricket across Asia by providing state-of-the-art facilities and partnerships, transforming dreams into reality.
Afghanistan: A War-Torn Nation’s Cricketing Ascent
Afganistan’s cricketing journey started in refugee camps, where temporary pitches and a borrowed love for sport laid the groundwork for the country’s national team. Recognising the potential and the will to play cricket of these determined players, India opened its doors. Due to the lack of proper infrastructure, the Afghan national team adopted Indian grounds, including Dehradun and Greater Noida stadium, as their home venue to host many matches between 2015 and 2021.
This support gave Afghanistan access to state-of-the-art facilities and exposure to high-level competition. The partnership bore fruit when Afghanistan earned Test-playing status in 2017 and played their debut Test against India in 2018. Players like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi became global icons, showcasing their skills in various leagues worldwide, including the IPL.
Nepal: Taking Cricket to the Mountains of the Himalayas
In 2014, when Nepal qualified for the ICC T20 World Cup, the world witnessed the emergence of a new cricketing force. However, Nepal’s cricket lacked infrastructure and expertise. India stepped in, facilitating training programs and hosting Nepali players in its academies. Partnerships between Indian cricket institutions and the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) further strengthened the foundation of Nepali cricket.
A defining moment came when Sandeep Lamichhane became the first Nepali player to feature in the IPL in 2018. Playing for the Delhi Capitals, he showcased his talent on a global stage and inspired countless young Nepali cricketers. Today, cricket thrives in Nepal, with domestic leagues drawing attention and local talent gaining well-deserved recognition.
Bangladesh: India’s First Cricket Development Success Story
Bangladesh wasn’t on the face of the planet until 1971 when India liberated it from Pakistan. However, their love for cricket was as old as Pakistan. As Bangladesh struggled to get recognition in the global cricket scene, Indian stepped in and helped Bangladesh in the 1980s. India sent some of its best coaches and experts to the country to train the Bangladeshi players, and it also held bilateral matches to help them gain much-needed experience.
The year 2000 marked a turning point in the country’s cricketing journey as it finally gained test-playing status. Then came the 2007 ODI World Cup, when the Bangladesh national team defeated India. This wasn’t just an upset but a testament to Bangladesh’s inspirational cricketing journey across all formats and against the top team in the sport.
UAE: India’s Cricket Support Going Global
The United Arab Emirates, or UAE, is one of the richest regions in the world and is a staple in every major sport. Naturally, the UAE has served as a venue for international cricket numerous times. However, their national cricket was still struggling. Then came COVID-19, a period of absolute uncertainty that gave the UAE an opportunity like never before. In 2020 and 2021, UAE hosted the Indian Premier League, which revitalised the cricketing ecosystem in the Emirates. The tournament brought with it millions of eyes, operational expertise, and an economic boost to cricket in the region.
Moreover, collaborations with Indian experts helped improve the quality of domestic competitions. Facilities like Sharjah Cricket Stadium and the Dubai International Stadium are now helping foster domestic talent.
Sharpening Asia’s Cricketing Edge Through ACC
India’s leadership in the Asian Cricket Council(ACC) has also been instrumental in expanding cricket in the region. The ACC organises many tournaments, like the Asian Cup. Moreover, it funds grassroots development programs in many countries, like Oman, Malaysia, and Bhutan. This ensures that even the smallest of nations have the opportunity to play the great game of cricket.
Moreover, India constantly allows its junior teams to participate in the tournaments, which gives the tournaments legitimacy and adds to their prestige. This attracts global attention and helps other countries hone their skills against one of the best teams in cricket’s history.
Building Bridges Through Cricket
India’s contribution to cricket in Afghanistan, Nepal, the UAE, and other Asian nations transcends the sport. It’s a story of collaboration, shared passion, and the belief that cricket can unite and inspire. By opening its doors and resources, India has ensured that cricket thrives as a regional force, not just national one.
In a continent as diverse as Asia, where cultural and political differences abound, cricket has become a unifying thread. At the heart of this transformation is India, a cricketing superpower that understands the value of empowering its neighbours.
