Afghanistan is no longer an underdog. Now they have gone from being a wildcard team to a genuine threat. The 2024 T20 World Cup was the turning point for them.
Their latest scalp? England. The 2025 Champions Trophy saw Afghanistan pull off an eight-run stunner at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Now, they’re gearing up for a showdown with Australia.
So, what’s fueling Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket? Let’s break it down.
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1. Global Exposure: Learning from the Best
Afghanistan’s players aren’t just sticking to domestic circuits. They’re making waves in franchise leagues worldwide IPL, BBL, PSL, you name it. And with that, they’re gaining:
- High-pressure experience
- Exposure to top-tier coaching
- The ability to adapt to different conditions
Without this, competing with cricket’s elite would be a different story.
Speaking of top-tier coaching, Jonathan Trott deserves a mention. The former England batter has transformed Afghanistan’s mindset. He’s built on the foundation laid by previous coaches, shaping a team that believes they belong at the top.
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2. Passion, Hunger & Relentless Drive
Afghanistan plays with heart. Every run, every wicket—it all matters. And that’s what makes them dangerous.
They don’t have the deep cricketing history of teams like Australia or India, but they make up for it with raw hunger. Their fans? Some of the most passionate in the world. Whether in Kabul or London, Afghanistan’s matches feel like home games. That kind of support? It fuels them.
3. Experience, Talent & a Stronger Foundation
Gone are the days when Afghanistan was just a team capable of upsets. They’ve evolved. Experience has made them calmer under pressure. They’re no longer crumbling in crunch moments—they’re thriving in them.
Fielding? That used to be a weakness. Not anymore. Now, they’re holding their nerve, taking sharp catches, and cutting down errors.
Talent production? Despite not having the vast domestic structure of India or England, Afghanistan keeps producing world-class players. Their system is working, and the results are showing.
Also Read: WPL 2025 MI vs UPW: Mumbai Tops Table, Defeating UPW
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