Indira Gandhi, Cricket: Afghanistan

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=History=
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[http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/iron-lady-indira-gandhi-socialist-agenda-shekhar-gupta/1/399459.html ''India Today'']
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==1839; 1995-2017==
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[[File: Afghanistan, cricket- some facts- 1839-2017- Part-I.jpg|Afghanistan, cricket- some facts- 1839-2017- Part-I <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F05%2F27&entity=Ar02100&sk=3D5412D7&mode=text  May 27, 2018: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
  
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Shekhar Gupta
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[[File: Afghanistan, cricket- some facts- 1839-2017- Part-II.jpg|Afghanistan, cricket- some facts- 1839-2017- Part-II <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F05%2F27&entity=Ar02100&sk=3D5412D7&mode=text  May 27, 2018: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
  
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November 6, 2014
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'''See graphics''':
  
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It is generally accepted wisdom that the Indira Gandhi years were the pinkest in India's economic history. Also, that her second phase (at the peak of her glory in 1971 till post-Emergency fall in 1977) was the most deeply socialist of three, the first being 1966-71 and the third 1980-84. Some of India's worst economic laws were enacted by her largely illegitimate Parliament during the Emergency, some even in its embarrassing sixth year. Most symbolically notable of these is the word socialist, along with secular, added to the Preamble of the Constitution.
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''Afghanistan, cricket- some facts- 1839-2017- Part-I''
  
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The 30th anniversary of her assassination would probably have passed less eventfully if the formality of the usual official ceremony had not been dispensed with as Sardar Patel's birth anniversary on the same day got precedence, as you would expect now that we have our first Government of the Right, and unabashedly so. But this controversy provided just the spark needed to reignite some fresh debates on the years of our most significant prime minister so far. Much of the stuff on her politics, creative destruction of the Congress and Emergency, her iron will and patriotism is familiar to most Indians.
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''Afghanistan, cricket- some facts- 1839-2017- Part-II''
  
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Fresh, intriguing and sometimes pleasant surprises, however, emerged on how her economic thinking evolved over these years. As you would expect, T.N. Ninan, our most formidable commentator on economy and business (and my executive editor at India Today, 1985-88), initiated this with a provocative column a few days before the anniversary. He said, intriguingly, that far from reinforcing her socialist drive, Indira Gandhi had actually begun to loosen things up, or at least start some review and introspection by the end of 1974, a year before the Emergency.
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==1995-2019 May==
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[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2019%2F06%2F01&entity=Ar02804&sk=385B4E8F&mode=text  Vivek Krishnan , June 1, 2019: ''The Times of India'']
  
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Briefly, his thesis is that by this time India was in deep economic distress. Inflation was running high, there was widespread popular disenchantment, and Indira made her most significant economic blunder yet. Under pressure from her durbari Leftist cabal, D.P. Dhar, P.N. Haksar, etc, she nationalised grain trade that too in a crisis year for agriculture. It caused such anger among farmers that, for the first time in her prime ministership, she was forced to withdraw a major decision. This set in motion the process of review and rethink. This was strengthened by two personalities, though one in departure and the other in arrival. In 1973, an Indian Airlines crash in New Delhi took away her steel and mines minister, and her most leftist comrade, Mohan Kumaramangalam, a former Communist Party member who had learnt as much ideology at Kings College, Cambridge, as law. Second was the rise of Sanjay Gandhi who, at least on his view of business and economy, was Kumaramangalam's opposite, even if you would not describe him as a libertarian in any other manner whatsoever.
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THE RISE AND RISE OF AFGHANISTAN
  
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One can find a great deal of wisdom and insight in Srinath Raghavan's brilliant essay on Indira Gandhi in Makers of Modern Asia, edited by Ramachandra Guha.  
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As Afghanistan brace up for their opening encounter of the 2019 World Cup against Australia, it can be easy to overlook how far the men from the war-torn nation have traversed in a short span of time. Vivek Krishnan chronicles their progress
  
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Raghavan says Indira's "socialist phase" continued till 1973. But this momentum was broken by a crisis inevitable in a post-war, populist economy. Monsoon failures and the 1973 oil shock, he reminds us, had taken our inflation rate to 33 per cent by late 1974. This also fuelled the JP movement. Indira first resorted to a tough anti-inflation squeeze, never mind the warnings of her Left ideologues that these would annoy people. She preferred, Raghavan tells us, the advice of the "more liberal" economic advisors, led by that virtuous usual suspect, Dr Manmohan Singh. She also approached the IMF for a $935 million (a lot then) bailout, quietly allowed the rupee to depreciate, thereby improving India's exports and reserves. Raghavan argues that 1973-74 "marked an important turning point" in her economic policy, one that remains "underappreciated". The shift, he says, was attitudinal more than substantive, but it brought growth. During 1975-78 India grew at 6 per cent per year, which was twice the fabled Hindu rate.  
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1995: Formation of the Afghanistan Cricket Board.
  
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By1973-4 India faced 33% inflation, and historian Srinath Raghavan tells us Indira took the advice of the 'more liberal' economic advisors, led bythat virtuous usualsuspect, Dr Manmohan Singh.He quotes extensively from a fascinating exchange of letters between Indira and her close advisor and cousin, B.K. Nehru, whose views on economics seemed more liberal than on individual liberty he had hailed the Emergency as a "tour de force of immense courage". Now he was telling her to replace garibi hatao with utpadan badhao (increase production). Some of Nehru's lines are stunningly prescient, and we have been repeating the same thought, even if not so succinctly, during Sonia Gandhi's povertarian UPA 2. Raghavan quotes a December 1974 letter from an irritable Indira reminding Nehru that "under present conditions there can be no economic growth which ignores social justice" (Sounds familiar?). Nehru bravely joins that battle of ideas by asking whether "social justice [means] equality in poverty or growth in the size of the national cake which may continue to be divided in unequal portions if necessary". He goes on to argue that "all other objectives should be subordinated to this one objective of increasing production". This isn't much different from an oft-repeated lament of "equal distribution of poverty" by my economist friend Surjit Bhalla, who P. Chidambaram describes as being way to the right of Adam Smith, and which led me to the discovery of that trade-marked term, povertarianism.
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2001: Elected as an affiliate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
  
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But if one air crash had broken the socialist momentum, another intervened to disrupt her reformist phase as Sanjay died in his aerobatic plane so early in her new term (June 23, 1980). Indira did lose her will and spirit to a great extent and was never the same again. Her intellectual shift, however, continued.  
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2009: Made their debut in ODI cricket. Up against Scotland, they registered a comprehensive 89-run victory.
  
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I have it on the authority of several key officers and advisors who watched her closely, including foreign service giants like Jagat Mehta and J.N. Dixit, that she felt rotten at the position India was forced to take on the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. She felt humiliated that some of the speeches by our envoys at the UN sounded more grating than those of the Cubans. She also-probably-had the sense that the Cold War was going to end, and India couldn't afford to end up being totally on the loser's side. There is evidence that she had begun course-correction on foreign policy as well. In the 1981 multilateral summit at Cancun, Mexico, I believe she sought out Ronald Reagan, her first contact with the US at a high level after her disastrous time with Nixon. The following year she visited Washington and a process of mending relations was well and truly under way. She seems to have realised that in the new global strategic and economic order after the Cold War, India could not carry on being at odds with the West.  
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2010: Qualified for the World T20 in the Caribbean, their first highprofile global tournament. They lost both their matches but not before getting the exposure of playing against some of their heroes from India and South Africa.
  
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By 1983, however, India's internal security situation had deteriorated badly and left little scope for further economic action. Nellie and other massacres happened in Assam in February 1983. By this time Bhindranwale had risen, guns and all, in Punjab as well. What followed, until her assassination three decades ago, is relatively better known, more recent history. She has been deservedly given a place in history as a great patriot and martyr, a champion of India's integrity and sovereignty. Could it be that we have not yet fully appreciated her intellect and prescience on economic and foreign policies?
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2012: Played their first ODI against a full member of the ICC when they took on Pakistan in a one-off match at Sharjah.
  
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Postscript: While I was a full-time reporter 1977 onwards, I was too junior to get much opportunity to observe Indira Gandhi closely. My first, 10-minute, conversation with her was in 1979 as I button-holed her during a transit stop in Chandigarh, en route to Srinagar. She was out of power then, and had the patience for a persistent little reporter. I saw her up close again in somewhat different circumstances four years later as she came to Nellie a day after the terrible massacre that left more than 3,000 Muslims dead. There was fury writ large on her face. "Kitna dhoola udta hai " (how awfully dusty is it), she said several times as she walked out of the helicopter, its rotors hardly fully stationary yet. But her anger was not over the clouds of dust, as we soon saw.  
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2013: Became an associate member of the ICC.
  
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She first looked daggers at KPS Gill (Inspector General of Police, Law and Order, in Assam) as if he were some delinquent neighbour and asked: "Kab tak jalta rahega yahan ?" (Until when will this place burn?) Only Gill could have the nerve to deal with that. "Let elections be over, Madam," then we will bring it to normal. Indira ignored him and walked ahead, officers, local party leaders struggling to keep pace.  
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2015: Played their maiden 50-over World Cup. They made their World Cup debut against Bangladesh in Canberra, while their first win in the tournament came against Scotland in Dunedin. During the year, they also entered the top-10 of the ODI rankings for the first time.
  
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She looked at the carnage, hundreds of bodies, fresh graves, the wounded. I do not believe I detected a tear in her eye. Just plain anger. As she turned around, the cowering figure of R.V. Subramanian, who ran the state under president's rule as chief advisor to the governor. "Teen hazaar Mussalman maare gaye, kaun jawab dega inko?" I remember she said "inko" and not "iska". She wasn't asking who was guilty, the first question was a moral, and political, one: how will we answer the Muslim minority?
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2016: Beat eventual champions West Indies in the World T20 in a group game in Nagpur.
  
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By this time I saw her eyes turn moist. She put on her sunglasses, repeated the same question to a speechless Subramanian, turned and trudged back to her Mi-8, never mind the dust its rotors had already begun to churn. One thing I can tell you for sure. She would have been even more furious at the anti-Sikh carnage that followed her assassination.
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2017: Granted full membership of the ICC along with Ireland. They also defeated the West Indies in the same year, marking the first instance of them getting the better of a top-eight side.
  
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=1965: Prevented ban of first Chhattisgarhi film=
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2018: They made the cut for the 2019 World Cup after winning the qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe. They also made their Test debut against India in Bengaluru. During the Asia Cup in UAE, they defeated Sri Lanka and tied a game with India.
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[http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com//Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=50-YEARS-AGO-When-Indira-saved-first-Chhattisgarhi-30042015017034 ''The Times of India''], Apr 30 2015
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Avijit Ghosh
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2019: Notched up their maiden Test victory, beating Ireland in Dehradun. TNN
  
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''' When Indira saved first Chhattisgarhi film from ban '''
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[[Category:Afghanistan|A
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CRICKET: AFGHANISTAN]]
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[[Category:Cricket|A
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CRICKET: AFGHANISTAN]]
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[[Category:India|A
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CRICKET: AFGHANISTAN]]
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[[Category:Sri Lanka|A
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CRICKET: AFGHANISTAN]]
  
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Exactly 50 years ago, a section of brahmins in Raipur was outraged to know that Kahi Debe Sandesh, the first film in Chhattisgarhi dialect, was an inter-caste love story between a scheduled caste boy and a brahmin girl. They threatened to set fire to Manohar Talkies ­ it no longer exists ­ where the film was to be released and forced the owners to pull down the posters.
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=Afghanistan versus Sri Lanka: WCC 2015=
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The agitators wanted the movie to be banned. “But help came from two progressive Congress politicians: Mini Mata and Bhushan Keyur. Both spoke in favour of the movie. I was told Indira Gandhi (then I&B minister) also saw portions of the film and said the film promotes national integration. The protests died down after that,“ recalls the producer-directorwriter Manu Nayak, now 77.
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[http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com//Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=MAHELA-BURSTS-AFGHAN-BUBBLE-23022015028048 ''The Times of India'']
  
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Kahi Debe Sandesh (Convey the message) is today regarded as a classic. Earlier this month, it was shown at a film festival in Raipur amid acclaim to celebrate the golden jubilee of Chhattisgarhi cinema. The film had premiered on April 16, 1965 in Durg and Bhatapara. Due to the controversy, it was released in Raipur only in September 1965. “It ran for eight weeks at Rajkamal Talkies (now Raj),“ said Nayak, who lives in Mumbai.
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Feb 23 2015
  
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How the movie was made is even more exciting than the controversy.As a teenager, Nayak ran away from Raipur to Bombay in 1957. After several twists and turns, he landed a job at the office of well-known director Mahesh Kaul (Naujawan) and top writer Pandit Mukhram Sharma (Ek Hi Raasta). Kaul and Sharma co-owned the banner, Anupam Chitra, which made films like Talaq (1958) and Diwana (1967).
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''' Mahela Bursts Afghan Bubble '''
  
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“I was asked if I could copy dialogues in Hindi. Then I was asked to type something. I was hired for a salary of Rs 60 per month. When I left in 1963, it was Rs 300,“ he said.
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''' Former Captain scores ton to rescue SL from 51-4 '''
  
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Nayak was an odd jobs man at Anupam Chitra. Working with the two, he picked up the nuances of a script.NC Sippy, who later produced hits like Anand and Chupke Chupke, was the manager with the banner. “From him I learnt the business of cinema,“ he says.
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Put into bat, Afghanistan lost both openers by the 10th over. But Stanikzai and Shenwari added 88 for the third wicket. They were hopeful of putting up 250-plus but could score just 10 runs in batting powerplay.  
  
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The release of Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo, the first Bhojpuri film in 1962, created nationwide rip ples. Many producers announced language films. “I was fired up with a desire to make a film in Chhattisgarhi. But Kaul saab discouraged me.He asked, `Where would you show the films? How many cinema halls will exhibit a Chhattisgarhi film'?“ Nayak said.
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Sri Lanka's chase got off to a disastrous start as they lost Dilshan and Thirimanne for first ball ducks. Sanga followed soon and at 51-4, a major upset was on cards. Mahela brought in all his experience and scored a ton to stabilise things.  
  
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But he was consumed by the idea.To begin with, Nayak recorded a song by Mohammed Rafi, Jhamkat nadiya bahini laage (The flow ing river is my sister). “I paid him Rs 400 from my T pocket,“ he says. Malay Chakraborty, a singer in the famous Little Ballet s troupe, was the music director. 4 Raising money was the bigger problem and Nayak put his own borrowing from relai tives and friends. It was crowdsourcing before the word was invented.“If you count the print and publicity, it cost Rs 1.25 lakh,“ he says.
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Angelo Mathews and Mahela both departed in quick succession though to put the Afghans back on track. But Thisara Perera's big-hitting skills came in handy as the burly all-rounder smashed an unbeaten 47 in 26 balls to see the 1996 champs home.  
  
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Salim Khan, superstar Salman's father, was the first choice to play male lead. “But he quit before the shooting started saying he'd got a role in a Bhappi Sonie film. Madhavi, the heroine of Hamari Yaad Aayegi, also left,“ Nayak says.
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1 Number of times in WC both openers have got out for first-ball ducks.Thirimanne, Dilshan registered the dubious feat
  
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Finally, Nayak settled for theatre actor Kaan Mohan, hero of the first Sindhi film, Abana (1958). Uma, a newcomer, was the leading lady. Surekha, the heroine of KA Abbas's touching tale of the roofless urban underclass, Shaher aur Sapna, was the second lead. Kapil Kumar, who later made his name as a lyricist in Basu Bhattach arya films, also had a role.
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10 Number of runs Afghanistan scored in the batting powerplay, losing two wickets. Four of those runs came through wides.  
  
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The film was shot in village Pal ari, 70 km from Raipur, between Nov and Dec 1964. The shooting was over in 22 days because the raw stock was finished. The remaining portions and two songs were filmed in Mumbai.
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1075 Runs by Mahela in WC, the 4th Lankan after Sanath, De Silva and Sanga to score 1000 runs.
  
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Distribution was difficult. “Distribu tor Tarachand Barjatya offered Rs 70,000 for the film which was about 60% of the cost.I refused and distributed the film myself,“ says Nayak.
 
  
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The black and white film was shown in theatres, touring cinemas and village fairs. “I spent the next two years paying off my debts. But I had the satisfaction of making the first Chhattisgarhi film,“ he says. Nayak never made a film again, working the next 40 odd years as production assistant in Bol lywood films.
 
  
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Now Chhattisgarhi films are a mini industry. In 2000, Bastar-born Satish Jain's film Mor Chhaihan Bhu inya (My shadow and earth) hit the bull's eye prompting a flurry of mov ies in the dialect over the next decade.
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=2015: Won ODI against Zimbabwe=
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[http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=Win-hasnt-sunk-in-yet-says-Nabi-26102015028006 ''The Times of India''], Oct 26 2015
  
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But Nayak isn't happy. “In today's films, only the dialogues are in Chhat tisgarhi. Nothing else ­ neither the characters nor the ambience ­ have the regional flavour,“ he says.
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Prasad RS
  
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=“The Unseen Indira Gandhi” in India-Pakistan war, 1971: K. P. Mathur=
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'''Win hasn't sunk in yet, says Nabi'''
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[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Indira-Gandhi-was-so-cool-she-was-dusting-after-71-war-began-new-book-says/articleshow/52024370.cms ''The Times of India'']
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A day after the India-Pakistan war erupted in 1971, then prime minister Indira Gandhi was so cool that she was changing the bedcovers on a 'diwan' when her personal physician walked in.
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''Afghan skipper is `relieved' after first win over test-playing nation''
  
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"I had the occasion to see PM herself changing the bedcovers on the diwan," K.P. Mathur says in his just released book based on the many years spent with Gandhi. "It was the day after the Bangladesh war had started and she had worked late into the night," says the book, "The Unseen Indira Gandhi" (Konark Publishers).
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They come from a war-torn nation where playing sport is a luxury, but that has not stopped the Afghanistan cricket team from expressing themselves every time they take the field.
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In Oct 2015 in Bulawayo against Zimbabwe was no different as the Afghans not only defended a target of 245 to seal the ODI series 3-2, they became the first associate nation to beat a Full Member country . While the entire team understandably celebrated the win, their feat was acknowledged by numerous fans back in Kabul.
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For man-of-the-series Mohammed Nabi, the historic-win marked a new chapter in Afghanistan's short cricketing history .
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Nabi has been part of all the 56 ODIs for the Afghans so far.
  
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"When I went to see her in the morning, I saw her engaged in the exercise of dusting. Perhaps, it helped her release the tension of the earlier night."
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=2016=
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==Afghanistan beats Zimbabwe to claim ODI series==
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[http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=Afghans-record-historic-win-08012016027061 ''The Times of India'']Jan 08 2016
  
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The 151-page book is full of anecdotes that the former physician of Safdarjung Hospital here recalls from his nearly 20-year association with Gandhi till her assassination in 1984.
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Sharjah
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According to Mathur, when Pakistan attacked India on December 3, 1971, Gandhi was in Kolkata. She flew back to Delhi.
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"During the flight, she was cool and composed as ever; her mind was obviously occupied with the strategy of war, the future course of action."
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Stun Zimbabwe To Claim ODI Series
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But the same Gandhi used to be nervous soon after she took charge as prime minister in 1966, the book says.
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"During the first year or two of her becoming PM, she used to be very tense, a bit confused and not sure of herself. She had no advisors and was almost friendless...
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Gulbadin Naib hit a career best, undefeated 82 as Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe by two wickets to win the fifth ODI and take the series 32.
  
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"She would also get stomach upsets in the early days of being PM which I believe was the result of the same nervousness."
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With the win, Afghanistan managed to retain their place in the top 10 of the ICC ODI rankings. They had broken into the top-10 after their 49-run win in the first match of the tournament, but had to win the series to retain their place.
  
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Mathur describes Gandhi as "a pleasant, caring and helpful person" who treated servants in her household well, addressing each one by his or her name. "Nobody was shouted for."
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This is the second time Afghanistan have won a series against a Test-playing nation.They had beaten Zimbabwe by the same margin in Oct 2015.
  
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Gandhi lived a simple life with no sign of opulence. "Thrift was her guiding principle." She refused to move into Teen Murti House and added "a couple of rooms" only after Rajiv Gandhi married Sonia in 1968.
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==T20: Beat West Indies==
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When she went on tours, breakfast was ordered from the South Indian Coffee House in Connaught Place.
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[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/afghanistan-create-history-beat-west-indies-in-world-t20/articleshow/51573143.cms ''The Economic Times''], 27 Mar, 2016
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After the Rajiv-Sonia marriage, "PM was very keen that Sonia should get into the social and cultural life of the country". She described Sonia as "bahurani" while speaking to others in the house.
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Describing Indira Gandhi as "a loving mother, grandmother and an understanding and non-interfering mother-in-law", Mathur says Gandhi took an immediate liking for Sonia.
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"PM and Sonia took to each other in no time... Sonia very soon took over the responsibility of running the (Gandhi) household."
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Indira Gandhi would take it easy on Saturdays, the book says. And on Sundays and other holidays, she relaxed with books, especially biographies of great men.
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''' Afghanistan create history, beat West Indies in World T20 '''
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She also liked books on subjects connected with the body and mind and was fond of solving crossword puzzles.
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"Sometimes, after lunch, she liked to play cards. Her favourite card game was Kali Mam."
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Minnows Afghanistan scripted history as they defeated 2012 champions West Indies by 6 runs in their final group league encounter of the ICC World Twenty20 here to sign off on a memorable note.  
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Mathur says that Gandhi accepted her defeat in the 1977 Lok Sabha election "gracefully".
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"Initially, PM felt a bit lonely after losing the elections. She had nothing to do. No files would come to her...
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West Indies failed to surpass a target of 124 as the Associate nation were able to restrict them to 117 for eight.  
  
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"She had no office, no staff car or even a car of her own. The staff car allotted to her had been withdrawn and she had no telephone operator to help and she had forgotten the telephone numbers of friends."
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The defeat does not change anything in final equations as West Indies have already qualified for the semi-finals and also maintained their pole position in the table. They will play their semi-final in Mumbai.  
  
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The book says Gandhi was not only religious but also superstitious. She wore a rosary of rudraksha beads received from spiritual guru Anandmayi Ma.
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The story of the day, however, was all about the talented Afghan boys, who have impressed one and all with their spirited display so far in the tournament.  
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"I am not sure whether PM performed a regular puja every day but she had framed pictures and small statues of many Gods arranged in a separate room with a small mat on the floor, presumably for her to sit on and pray.
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"She would make it a point to visit every famous temple in any part of the country during her tours.
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After a string of close losses, the Afghans kept their calm on today to beat a much-fancied West Indies side, who looked formidable even in the absence of Chris Gayle.  
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"She prayed at the Badri-Kedar and many south Indian temples. She had visited Tirupathi several times as well as Vaishno Devi, always fully observing the prescribed rituals."
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=Ecology=
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There were emotional scenes all around after Afghanistan completed the formalities, prompting West Indian star Chris Gayle, who was rested from today's game, to congratulate them and even pose for pictures with the victorious team.
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==Silent Valley==
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[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indira-gandhi-as-pm-saved-unique-rainforests-in-kerala-book/articleshow/58206366.cms  Indira Gandhi as PM saved unique rainforests in Kerala: Book , Apr 16, 2017: ''The Times of India'']
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Afghanistan scored 123/7 in 20 overs after being put into bat. Najibullah Zadran's 40-ball-48 studded with four boundaries and a six was the reason for them reaching a fighting total after being down at 56 for five.
  
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KOCHI: Indira Gandhi as Prime Minister saved one of world's unique rain forests by overruling her own party's stand to set up a mega hydel power project in Kerala's Silent Valley, says a new book.  
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In reply, the Afghan bowlers maintained a disciplined line and length.  
  
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The book titled "Indira Gandhi: A Life in Nature" authored by senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh says both the Congress and the CPI(M) in Kerala wanted to build a hydroelectric project across the Kunthipuzha River that runs through Silent Valley, home to the one of the most endangered primates of India-- lion-tailed macaque.
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It was heartening to see skipper Asghar Stanikzai toss up the ball to off-spinner Mohammed Nabi with West Indies needing 10 runs off the last over.
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= Afghan cricket, 2009- 2017=
  
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Referring to the four-decade-old Silent Valley movement of Kerala, the book says powerful Congress leader K Karunakaran and party's local MP V S Vijayaraghavan were in support of the project proposed by the Kerala State Electricity Board(KSEB) in Silent Valley nestled in the high mountains of the Western Ghats.  
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[[File: Afghan cricket 2009- 2017.jpg| Afghan cricket, 2009- 2017 <br/> From [http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Gallery.aspx?id=23_06_2017_025_012_010&type=P&artUrl=AFGHANS-IRELAND-IN-BIG-BOYS-CLUB-23062017025012&eid=31808 '' The Times of India ''] |frame|500px]]
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See graphic above.
  
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"Indira Gandhi took almost three years to discuss, debate and decide against it in October 1983," says the book to be launched on June 10.  
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=2017=
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==June 2017/ Granted Test status==
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[http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=Conflict-gave-cricket-to-war-torn-Afghanistan-23062017025038  Avijit Ghosh |Conflict gave cricket to war-torn Afghanistan | Jun 23 2017 |The Times of India (Delhi)]
  
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The supporters of the hydel project across the river in Palakkad district had argued that the development of the Malabar region of Kerala would be affected if the project was dropped.
 
  
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Talking to PTI, Ramesh, a former Union Environment Minister, described Silent Valley Movement as second most important landmark in India's environment history after the Chipko Movement.
+
THE TEAM HAS TAKEN LONG STRIDES WITH RECENT WINS OVER BANGLADESH AND WEST INDIES IN ODIS
 +
  
−
He said it was a very tough fight as all the powerful political personalities were on one side and all the environmentalists and activists who really have no political influence were on the other side.
+
The Afghanistan Cricket Board was formed in 1995 and the country became an affiliate member of the ICC in 2001. Who would have thought that they would have gained ICC's full membership and Test status within 16 years? They have also been among the game's fastest learners.
  
−
Ramesh said Gandhi had expressed her strong views on the Silent Valley through her letters sent to Chief Ministers of Kerala including CPI(M)'s E K Nayanar and Congress leader K Karunakaran.
+
In recent times, Afghanistan have become the best among the minnows of world cricket. Even against Zimbabwe, a Test playing nation, they have an 11-8 ODI record.Against Bangladesh, they are 2-3.Earlier this month, captain Asghar Stanikzai's men shocked the West Indies at home carving out a handsome 63 run victory at St Lucia.
  
−
The Congress leader said his book on Gandhi was done by drawing extensively from her unpublished letters, notes, messages and memos.
+
Leg spinner Rashid Khan produced one of the most eye-popping spells in the history of ODIs: seven for 18. At least, Khan can waltz into India's Test team.
  
−
The book offers a lively, conversational narrative of a relatively little known but fascinating aspect of the former Prime Minister's tumultuous life, Ramesh said.
+
There is a reason why Sunrisers Hyderabad paid Rs 4 crore for him; he went on to become the sixth highest wicket taker in IPL 10.
  
−
== The nature lover ==
+
War has been Afghanistan's curse. Strangely, it was conflict that gave cricket to Afghanistan. The USSR invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 which lasted nearly a decade created millions of refugees in the bordering areas of Pakistan. The immigrants kept coming and going for decades. Many of them were seduced by cricket. Later, as they returned home, the game struck root even in the country's interiors.
−
[https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/books/story/20170605-jairam-ramesh-book-indira-gandhi-congress-986458-2017-05-28 Jairam Ramesh , The Natural politician “India Today” 5/6/2017]
+
  
−
In his new book, Indira Gandhi: A Life in Nature, Jairam Ramesh displays some deft footwork in walking the line between hagiography and candour. The Congress veteran has a reputation for being independent-minded to the point of being a political inconvenience (something he demonstrated in his term as environment minister) but his loyalties have never been in question either. While this book is certainly intended to cement the iconic if not universally-loved former PM's deserved reputation as a champion of nature in general and wildlife protection in particular, it does thankfully stop short of the fawning prose Mrs Gandhi notoriously encouraged in her day. And there's plenty in this essentially anecdotal volume to delight both loyalists and sceptics-among them a few winking asides, notably this classic: "I was unable to get some of her [Indira's] letters to her younger son Sanjay-his widow told me that 'deemaks' have eaten them away over the years."
+
The Test matches are likely to be played in Shaheed Vijay Singh Sports Complex in Greater Noida, Afghanistan's official home ground.
  
−
Excerpts:
+
==November 2017/ Win under-19 Asia Cup title==
 +
[http://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2017%2F11%2F20&entity=Ar02416&sk=1F2F903A&mode=text  Afghanistan claim maiden Under-19 Asia Cup title, November 20, 2017: ''The Times of India'']
  
−
The First Family and Other Animals
 
  
−
For fourteen years, Indira Gandhi lived in Teen Murti House, the prime minister's official residence in a lush green 65-acre complex with peacocks and various other birds. This sprawling colonial-era bungalow was originally built for the British commander-in-chief who started living there in 1930. When Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, there was concern that Nehru might be the next target. A reluctant Nehru was persuaded by his cabinet to move into the bungalow, which he did on August 2, 1948. Indira Gandhi shuttled back and forth between Lucknow and New Delhi, before moving in full-time with her father in early 1950. The prime minister's residence was a mini-zoo of sorts-as graphically described by Indira Gandhi herself seven years into her stay there:
+
Afghanistan thrashed Pakistan in the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup to register a historic triumph and lift the title at the Kinrara Academy Oval in Kuala Lumpur, reports cricbuzz-.com. Chasing 248, Pakistan were trounced by 185 runs as they folded for 63.
  
−
We always had dogs, the good kind with long pedigrees and others rescued off the streets that were just as devoted-also parrots, pigeons, squirrels and practically every small creature common to the Indian scene. And we thought life was pretty full, looking after them on top of all the older [sic] chores. Then in Assam, we were presented with a baby cat-bear (or red Himalayan panda), although we did not know what it was until we reached Agartala and were able to study the book of Indian animals in the Commissioner's library [...] Much later we got him a mate [...] and now they have the most adorable little cubs-the first, I believe, to be bred in captivity. My father calls on the panda family morning and evening. They miss him when he is out of station...
+
Pakistan just couldn’t recover from the early punches Mujeeb Zadran landed. The pacer nipped out the openers - Mohammad Arif (4) and Omair Yousuf (0) - inside the fourth over to leave Pakistan wobbling 11for 2. Things just went pear shaped for them from there on 32 for 4.
  
−
Two years ago, we received our first tiger cubs-there were three named Bhim, Bhairav and Hidimba. A man came from Lucknow Zoo to teach us how to look after them [...After a while] we sent them off to the Lucknow Zoo where you can still meet Bhim and Hidimba; magnificent beasts, their muscles rippling with power and grace. [Marshal] Tito asked for one of them and Bhairav now resides in Belgrade.
+
Mohammad Taha hung around for 38 deliveries, scoring 19, but failed to find partners to bat around him. Qais Ahmad ended Taha's resistance and the a lower order failed to come to terms with the constant pressure.
  
−
Finding Favour
+
Brief scores: Afghanistan 248-7 in 50 overs (Ikram Ali Khil 107) beat Pakistan 63 in 22.1 overs (Mujeeb Zadran 5-13) by 185 runs.
  
−
Less than a fortnight after taking the hugely controversial step of devaluing the Indian rupee and opening up the economy, Indira Gandhi embarked on a four-day tour of the hill districts of Uttar Pradesh. After landing by helicopter in Uttarkashi on June 16, she was received by the 29-year-old district magistrate Manmohan 'Moni' Malhoutra. They drove to the rest house where Indira Gandhi's political colleagues were waiting. There, she talked to them, after which Malhoutra and Indira Gandhi had a conversation on administrative issues in the district, which began thus-as recalled to me by Malhoutra:
+
= Home ground in Dehradun =
 +
==2018: the beginning==
 +
[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F06%2F14&entity=Ar01604&sk=497555D2&mode=text  Cricket diplomacy: Doon to be Af team’s new home, June 14, 2018: ''The Times of India'']
  
−
Indira Gandhi: Well, my people tell me you are not being very helpful to them.
 
  
−
Moni Malhoutra: Madam, you mean helpful or pliant?
+
From the Hindu Kush to the Himalayan foothills, Afghanistan cricket has just found a new home. Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, will serve as the home ground of the Afghanistan cricket team according to an understanding which New Delhi and Kabul have arrived at, government sources said.
  
−
Sucheta Kripalani (chief minister of UP): Indiraji, he is one of our finest officers.
+
Afghanistan recently acquired test status and will play its first test match against India in Bangalore on June 14-18. Afghanistan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah will be the chief guest for the event.
  
−
...A month later, on July 20, she visited Uttarkashi again-but this time with no entourage and without any fanfare whatsoever. She had come with her sons for a four-day private holiday at Harsil, a remote village that had no telephone and telegraph facilities. As protocol demanded, Malhoutra was in attendance. In this desolate place, the prime minister and he conversed about life in the mountains, trekking and books.
+
Afghanistan recently played a T 20 series against Bangladesh in Dehradun. The same stadium, official sources said, has been lent to Afghanistan to serve as its official home ground where it can host international matches.
  
−
Indira Gandhi flew back to New Delhi on July 23. Three months later Malhoutra was told that he had to move to the prime minister's secretariat as an under-secretary-the lowest position in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) hierarchy in the Government of India. There was no formal office order regarding what exactly he was supposed to do but, as it turned out, Malhoutra was to assist the prime minister directly on environmental subjects for seven years. This shows the non-hierarchical manner in which Indira Gandhi ran her secretariat for the first five-six years.
+
India is hoping that this piece of cricket diplomacy will help it earn more goodwill with the Afghan people at a time there is increasing uncertainty not just about the political situation in Kabul but also India’s role in it.
  
−
Cold War Climate Change
+
As government officials here said, India has been associated with the development of cricket in Afghanistan since 2001 when Afghanistan joined ICC. In 2015, India allowed the Afghan cricket team to shift base to Greater Noida from Shariah. However, now with Afghanistan qualified to play test matches, the Indian government realised it was important for their team to have its own exclusive cricket stadium which would host their international matches.
  
−
The monsoon had failed miserably in 1965 and 1966 and India was forced to be a supplicant for wheat, especially from the USA. This had contributed to Indira Gandhi's determination to make India self-sufficient in the production of foodgrains at the earliest. Much has been written about this in her biographies and in the histories of the bilateral relationship between India and the USA.
+
“Most of the Afghan players have received training from Indian coaches in their formative years. India had also helped in construction of cricket stadiums and grounds in Afghanistan, like in Kandahar,” said an official.
  
−
But two successive monsoon failures also led to top-secret environmental diplomacy which has not been written about by anyone, except American historian Kristine Harper. With Indira Gandhi's approval in late 1966, the USA was to launch Project Gromet-a cloud seeding venture by the US military in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh-in the early months of 1967. President Lyndon Johnson and Defence Secretary Robert McNamara were its greatest champions.
+
Unlike Pakistan cricketers, Afghan players like Rashid Khan and Mohammed Nabi feature regularly in IPL and even have a fan following here. The Indian establishment is investing in Afghan cricket as it believes the game can act as a unifying force in a country otherwise torn apart by politics of ethnicity.
  
−
Gromet was not as innocent and straightforward as it appeared. It was very much part of the Cold War and linked with the use of the 'weather weapon' by the US military in Laos and Vietnam. It is inconceivable that Indira Gandhi would have been unaware of this, but whatever objections she may have had would have found counter-arguments by key advisors like Vikram Sarabhai who had been appointed as the chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission in May; L.K. Jha, her secretary; and B.K. Nehru, India's ambassador in the USA. It is a measure of how weak she was politically and how desperate the situation was agriculturally that she allowed herself to be persuaded to go along with Gromet, even though ultimately it amounted to nothing.
+
According to another understanding reached last month, all teams touring India will now play one practice game against Afghanistan, an arrangement which will provide international exposure to the team.
  
−
As it turned out, the monsoon in 1967 and 1968 revived without this project. Besides, by then, new high-yielding crop varieties had started generating enthusiasm among farmers in Punjab and Haryana. The moment of extreme danger had passed.
+
=2018=
 +
==Tests==
 +
=== Afghanistan loses first test to India===
 +
[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/afghanistan-tour-of-india/india-crush-afghanistan-by-an-innings-and-262-runs-in-debut-test/articleshow/64598435.cms  Manuja Veerappa, India crush Afghanistan by an innings and 262 runs in debut Test, June 15, 2018: ''The Times of India'']
  
−
Till the Cows Come Home
 
  
−
November 7, 1966, had seen a most unusual attack on Parliament. Thousands of sadhus-many clad in saffron robes, others naked-staged an assault demanding a national law to ban cow slaughter immediately. Police had to resort to firing and a few of the protesters were killed. Indira Gandhi quickly secured the resignation of home minister Gulzarilal Nanda, who was widely seen to be sympathetic to the agitationists.
+
'''HIGHLIGHTS'''
  
−
On June 29, she set up a high-powered committee to examine the entire issue of a national law to ban cow slaughter. It was headed by A.K. Sarkar, a former chief justice of India, and had, as its members, chief ministers, political leaders, religious figures, cow protection activists, animal husbandry experts like Dr V. Kurien, and the then chairman of the Agricultural Prices Commission, Ashok Mitra. The high-powered committee was given six months to submit its report.
+
Afghanistan were bowled out for 103 in their 2nd dig after following on
  
−
Meanwhile, conservationists got involved in the debate and, at the behest of Zafar Futehally, Dillon Ripley [the legendary ornithologist] wrote to Indira Gandhi on October 3 suggesting a study be conducted by the BNHS [Bombay Natural History Society] and the Smithsonian Institution on India's cattle issue from the point of view of environmental management. He wrote:
+
India recorded their biggest ever innings victory
  
−
I personally believe that one of the most important studies that might be undertaken today is an ecological approach to the age-old problem of the impact of cattle on lands in India.
+
This was India's first ever Test win inside two days
  
−
I write at this time with some sense of urgency because of the recent developments which have led, I am informed, to the appointment of a committee which will report to your Government on the issue of imposing a ban on the slaughter of cows throughout India.
 
  
−
To ensure that his letter got the prime minister's personal attention, Ripley added a postscript:
+
Had this historic Test match been a bout of heavyweight boxing, Afghanistan's players would have been peeling themselves off the canvas and heading to the infirmary. They will carry the scars of this rout, but one hopes - in the interests of cricket's well-being - not for long.
  
−
I hope to come to Delhi soon and have a chance to speak once more to the Delhi Bird Watching Society. Salim Ali took me along with him to Bhutan this spring. Peter Jackson joined us. We had a marvelous time and had wonderful birding.
+
All it took for India to wrap up another Test victory at home was 66.3 overs and 290 minutes after lunch on the second day. India's innings and 262-run win margin will be remembered as will Afghanistan's abject capitulation. It was only the fourth instance when a Test team has been dismissed twice in a day - in Afghanistan's case over less than two sessions.  
  
−
The letter was acknowledged a week later by an official in the prime minister's secretariat. But the next month, on November 7, India's US Ambassador Chester Bowles reprimanded Dillon Ripley:
+
The visiting team, who came dressed in their festive best on the occasion of Eid-al-Fitr before slipping into white flannels, didn't have much to celebrate in the end.
  
−
At my request, my deputy Mr Greene, found an opportunity the other day to sound out Mrs Gandhi's right-hand man, P.N. Haksar, about your letter. Haksar readily confirmed that it had been received and as much said he thought it better to leave the complexities of the cow problem to the Government of India. Mr Greene asked whether the Prime Minister had replied to your letter and was told that she had not; we infer that she probably will not.
+
Replying to India's first innings tally of 474 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Afghanistan mustered 109 in their first essay. Their second essay, after being asked to follow-on, was similar - 103 runs. However, one must remember that South Africa made only 84 in the first innings of their first Test against England way back in 1889.  
  
−
It would help to get acceptance of projects in which you are interested if you would forward them to us for comment and/or discussion with the Government of India, rather than directly.
+
It wasn't the only positive for Afghanistan. They did eject a formidable Indian batting line-up in about four sessions and they did show glimpses - albeit too fleeting - of what it takes to see off time in a Test match when Asghar Stanikzai and Hashmatullah Shahidi put on 37 for the fifth wicket in the second innings. Stanikzai undid all the hard work with an incredibly extravagant attempt of a hoist. In time, hopefully, the skipper will learn.  
  
−
From then on, Ripley was to make sure that Salim Ali approved all his letters to Indira Gandhi. As for the study, it never did take off and the cow protection committee itself was to keep meeting for 12 years till it was disbanded in 1979 by Indira Gandhi's successor. It never submitted its report.
+
The virtue of patience and preparedness to wear down opposition bowlers is one of the hardest lessons Afghanistan will have to imbibe from this game. There was little in terms of footwork and even less in intent of rotating the strike too. But then, they are a team that is only one Test match - nay just two days - old.  
  
−
=1975=
+
India's bowlers were too quick and skillful for this inexperienced side. Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav returned match hauls four each, while spin combo of R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja finished with five and six wickets respectively.
−
==Tapping IB to guess verdict in election malpractices case==
+
−
[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Indira-tapped-Intelligence-Bureau-to-gauge-verdict-in-1975-case/articleshow/49029750.cms ''The Times of India''], Sep 20, 2015
+
  
−
''' 'Indira tapped Intelligence Bureau to gauge verdict in 1975 case' '''
+
The Afghans began to unravel in the fourth over of their first innings when a direct hit from Pandya at point sent back sauntering opener Mohammad Shahzad. Thus, began the visitors parade back to the pavilion with only Mohammad Nabi putting up a fighting 24 (44b, 4x4).
  
−
Forty years after the momentous Allahabad HC verdict which declared then PM Indira Gandhi's election to the Lok Sabha void, culminating in the imposition of Emergency, former Intelligence Bureau chief TV Rajeswar has revealed how the agency tried to find out which way the wind was blowing in the case.
+
In the second essay, the only two players who returned decent numbers were Sahidi (36 n.o, 88b, 4x6) and Stanikzai (25, 58, 4x4, 1x6).  
  
−
In a memoir that hit the stands on Saturday, Rajeswar writes that there was "keenness bordering on fear" on the part of those close to Gandhi to find out what was going on in the mind of justice Jagmohanlal Sinha, who was the judge in the case.
+
Ashwin completed the formalities in the extended hour, cleaning up Wafadar's middle stump.  
  
−
Rajeswar says he sent an experienced IB officer J N Roy to make discreet enquiries. "Roy found to his dismay that justice Sinha's personal assistant more or less stayed in the judge's house and could not be reached at all. Some of justice Sinha's colleagues, who tried to draw him out in the course of casual conversation, found him totally non-communicative. We drew a blank," writes Rajeswar, who was IB joint director during the Emergency,
+
Earlier, starting at an overnight score of 347/6, India added 127 runs in 26.5 overs, losing four wickets in the process. Overnight batsman Ashwin (18, 39b, 1x4) did not extend his stay at the crease for long. Wicketkeeper Ahmad Zazai pouched a Yamin Ahmadzai delivery edged by Ashwin.
  
−
On June 12, 1975, Justice Sinha declared Gandhi guilty of dishonest election practices, excessive poll expenditure and of using government machinery and officials for party purposes. He ruled her election void and also barred her from running for any office for six years. Though she did get a conditional stay, the Supreme Court suspended her right to vote in the House as an MP. The opposition launched an agitation and, on June 25, Gandhi imposed the Emergency.
+
The pacer could have accounted for Ravindra Jadeja in the next ball, but first Zazai and then skipper Stanikzai, at first slip, failed to hold on to a catch, which ensured a 67-run eight-wicket partnership between Hardik Pandya and Jadeja. In the meanwhile, Pandya helped himself to a half-century (71, 94b, 10x4).  
  
−
"The IB wasn't consulted on the Emergency," Rajeswar told TOI. He said that six months into the Emergency, the IB advised calling it off, releasing all prisoners and going for polls in March 1976. "Mrs Gandhi was inclined to go with the IB's view but in the end, it was Sanjay Gandhi who had a decisive say," writes Rajeswar.
+
During his 130 minutes stay at the creases, Pandya wasn't his flamboyant self. Instead, he played a measured and mature innings. He patiently waited for the loose balls to be put away. Hardik's vigil ended when he gifted a catch to Zazai off Wafadar.  
  
−
=Mathai claimed intimacy with Indira Gandhi=
+
Before India wrapped up the innings, the last man in -Umesh Yadav- who was cheered on vivaciously by the crowd for his Royal Challengers Bangalore connection-entertained with a 21-ball 26 which included two maximums and an equal number of fours.
−
[http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=R-S-S-backed-Emergency-reveals-former-IB-chief-22092015010022 ''The Times of India''], September 22, 2015
+
  
−
Former Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief T V Rajeswar has claimed the exist claimed the existence of a highly controversial “missing“ chapter in the memoirs of M O Mathai, the private secretary of Jawaharlal Nehru, in which he allegedly wrote about his purported intimacy with Indira Gandhi.
+
Umesh's blitz set the tone for the domination of the Indian bowlers for the rest of the day.  
−
He told a TV channel that in 1981, when he was IB director, M G Ramachandran, then Tamil Nadu chief minister, had given him the chapter. Rajeswar in turn handed it to Indira Gandhi. She received it without comment. When asked if he read the chapter, Rajeswar said “I did not. There was no need. There was no discussion.“ The de tails of the episode form part of Rajes war's recently pub lished book “India, The Crucial Years“.
+
−
The “missing“ chapter was apparent chapter was apparently removed before the publication of Mathai's memoirs. Accord ing to the publisher's note on page 153, the chapter was with drawn by Mathai himself.
+
  
−
=1984: Assassination=
+
Brief Scores: India 474 (Shikhar Dhawan 107, Murali Vijay 105 ) beat Afghanistan (109 & 103) by an innings and 262 runs
−
[http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/10%20biggest%20national%20security%20failures/0/23067.html ''India Today'']
+
−
December 29, 2008
+
  
−
It was a political assassination that shocked the nation perhaps as profoundly as that of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948. On the morning of October 31, 1984, prime minister Indira Gandhi had an appointment with well-known actor Peter Ustinov to record an interview. But it was an appointment she could not keep. “She died in the one contingency that her legion of security officials had been unable to guard against: traitors from within her own security guards,” said India Today in November 1984.
+
=Test cricket=
 +
==2019: Beat Ireland, register first win in Tests==
 +
[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2019%2F03%2F19&entity=Ar02500&sk=2EF8472B&mode=text  Beat Ireland, Register First Win In Test, March 19, 2019: ''The Times of India'']
  
−
=1984: After her assassination=
 
−
==Delhi Police told to report to PMO==
 
−
[http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=Delhi-Police-told-to-report-to-PMO-after-09052016001049 ''The Times of India''], May 9, 2016
 
  
−
Academic and journalist Vinay Sitapati -given unprecedented access to hundreds of P V NarasimhaRao's personal papers -reveals how as home minister, Rao received a phone call on the evening of October 31, 1984 from a Congressman very close to Rajiv, informing him that Delhi Police, from the commissioner to SHOs, would report directly to the PMO, bypassing Rao.
+
Afghanistan registered their first Test victory after Rahmat Shah’s second fifty of the match helped secure their seven-wicket win against Ireland in a one-off contest in Dehradun.
  
−
The ostensible reason was to better contain violence in the aftermath of Indira's assassination. The less charitable explanation was to ensure inaction, at least for a couple of days, while Sikhs were attacked by Congress-led mobs.
+
Chasing 147 for the victory, Afghanistan rode a 139-run stand between Shah and Ihsanullah Janat to romp home for a memorable win nine months after their chastening Test debut against India.
  
−
=1984: Death threats to Thatcher for attending funeral=
+
After falling two short of becoming Afghanistan’s first-ever Test centurion in their first innings, Shah grinded out an impressive 76, while Janat remained not out on 65.
−
[http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=Thatcher-got-death-threats-for-attending-Indira-funeral-18072015024040 ''The Times of India''], Jul 18 2015
+
  
−
''' `Thatcher got death threats for attending Indira funeral’ '''
+
Afghanistan lost Shah and Mohammad Nabi to back-toback deliveries in a James Cameron-Dow over before Hashmatullah Shahidi smashed the winning boundary to trigger celebrations in the Afghan dressing room.
  
−
Former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher had received death threats to her life in the wake of Indira Gandhi's assassination in October 1984, according to newly-declassified UK government documents.
+
“It’s a historic day for Afghanistan, for our team and our people,” said the winning captain Asghar Afghan, who made 67 in the first innings.
−
Thatcher flew down to New Delhi to attend her funeral on November 3 that year against the backdrop of at least two documented threats to her life. The UK embassy in Helsinki had received a phone call from a man with a "Middle Eastern or Asian accent" who said: “I have a feeling there is going to be an attack on Thatcher. I have never been wrong before,“ according to a telegram to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office released under the 30-year declassification rule.
+
 
 +
“We have been playing for a while, we have been playing first-class cricket, so we have that composure.
 +
 
 +
“The bowlers were very good, Rashid (Khan), Yamin (Ahmadzai). Now we’re going to South Africa for World Cup preparation. We will try our best to play good cricket.”
 +
 
 +
Ireland were on the backfoot from the opening day when they were bowled out for 172 at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium. Afghanistan responded with a total of 314 all out to secure a healthy first innings lead.
 +
 
 +
In-form Andrew Balbirnie top-scored with 82 in a much-improved second-innings batting display from Ireland but leg-spinner Rashid Khan’s maiden five-wicket haul restricted them to 288 all out. Both Ireland and Afghanistan were playing their second-ever Test since being awarded a full member status in 2017.

Revision as of 05:18, 1 December 2020

This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.

Contents

History

1839; 1995-2017

Afghanistan, cricket- some facts- 1839-2017- Part-I
From: May 27, 2018: The Times of India
Afghanistan, cricket- some facts- 1839-2017- Part-II
From: May 27, 2018: The Times of India

See graphics:

Afghanistan, cricket- some facts- 1839-2017- Part-I

Afghanistan, cricket- some facts- 1839-2017- Part-II

1995-2019 May

Vivek Krishnan , June 1, 2019: The Times of India

THE RISE AND RISE OF AFGHANISTAN

As Afghanistan brace up for their opening encounter of the 2019 World Cup against Australia, it can be easy to overlook how far the men from the war-torn nation have traversed in a short span of time. Vivek Krishnan chronicles their progress

1995: Formation of the Afghanistan Cricket Board.

2001: Elected as an affiliate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

2009: Made their debut in ODI cricket. Up against Scotland, they registered a comprehensive 89-run victory.

2010: Qualified for the World T20 in the Caribbean, their first highprofile global tournament. They lost both their matches but not before getting the exposure of playing against some of their heroes from India and South Africa.

2012: Played their first ODI against a full member of the ICC when they took on Pakistan in a one-off match at Sharjah.

2013: Became an associate member of the ICC.

2015: Played their maiden 50-over World Cup. They made their World Cup debut against Bangladesh in Canberra, while their first win in the tournament came against Scotland in Dunedin. During the year, they also entered the top-10 of the ODI rankings for the first time.

2016: Beat eventual champions West Indies in the World T20 in a group game in Nagpur.

2017: Granted full membership of the ICC along with Ireland. They also defeated the West Indies in the same year, marking the first instance of them getting the better of a top-eight side.

2018: They made the cut for the 2019 World Cup after winning the qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe. They also made their Test debut against India in Bengaluru. During the Asia Cup in UAE, they defeated Sri Lanka and tied a game with India.

2019: Notched up their maiden Test victory, beating Ireland in Dehradun. TNN

Afghanistan versus Sri Lanka: WCC 2015

The Times of India

Feb 23 2015

Mahela Bursts Afghan Bubble

Former Captain scores ton to rescue SL from 51-4

Put into bat, Afghanistan lost both openers by the 10th over. But Stanikzai and Shenwari added 88 for the third wicket. They were hopeful of putting up 250-plus but could score just 10 runs in batting powerplay.

Sri Lanka's chase got off to a disastrous start as they lost Dilshan and Thirimanne for first ball ducks. Sanga followed soon and at 51-4, a major upset was on cards. Mahela brought in all his experience and scored a ton to stabilise things.

Angelo Mathews and Mahela both departed in quick succession though to put the Afghans back on track. But Thisara Perera's big-hitting skills came in handy as the burly all-rounder smashed an unbeaten 47 in 26 balls to see the 1996 champs home.

1 Number of times in WC both openers have got out for first-ball ducks.Thirimanne, Dilshan registered the dubious feat

10 Number of runs Afghanistan scored in the batting powerplay, losing two wickets. Four of those runs came through wides.

1075 Runs by Mahela in WC, the 4th Lankan after Sanath, De Silva and Sanga to score 1000 runs.


2015: Won ODI against Zimbabwe

The Times of India, Oct 26 2015

Prasad RS

Win hasn't sunk in yet, says Nabi

Afghan skipper is `relieved' after first win over test-playing nation

They come from a war-torn nation where playing sport is a luxury, but that has not stopped the Afghanistan cricket team from expressing themselves every time they take the field. In Oct 2015 in Bulawayo against Zimbabwe was no different as the Afghans not only defended a target of 245 to seal the ODI series 3-2, they became the first associate nation to beat a Full Member country . While the entire team understandably celebrated the win, their feat was acknowledged by numerous fans back in Kabul. For man-of-the-series Mohammed Nabi, the historic-win marked a new chapter in Afghanistan's short cricketing history . Nabi has been part of all the 56 ODIs for the Afghans so far.

2016

Afghanistan beats Zimbabwe to claim ODI series

The Times of IndiaJan 08 2016

Sharjah

Stun Zimbabwe To Claim ODI Series

Gulbadin Naib hit a career best, undefeated 82 as Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe by two wickets to win the fifth ODI and take the series 32.

With the win, Afghanistan managed to retain their place in the top 10 of the ICC ODI rankings. They had broken into the top-10 after their 49-run win in the first match of the tournament, but had to win the series to retain their place.

This is the second time Afghanistan have won a series against a Test-playing nation.They had beaten Zimbabwe by the same margin in Oct 2015.

T20: Beat West Indies

The Economic Times, 27 Mar, 2016

Afghanistan create history, beat West Indies in World T20

Minnows Afghanistan scripted history as they defeated 2012 champions West Indies by 6 runs in their final group league encounter of the ICC World Twenty20 here to sign off on a memorable note.

West Indies failed to surpass a target of 124 as the Associate nation were able to restrict them to 117 for eight.

The defeat does not change anything in final equations as West Indies have already qualified for the semi-finals and also maintained their pole position in the table. They will play their semi-final in Mumbai.

The story of the day, however, was all about the talented Afghan boys, who have impressed one and all with their spirited display so far in the tournament.

After a string of close losses, the Afghans kept their calm on today to beat a much-fancied West Indies side, who looked formidable even in the absence of Chris Gayle.

There were emotional scenes all around after Afghanistan completed the formalities, prompting West Indian star Chris Gayle, who was rested from today's game, to congratulate them and even pose for pictures with the victorious team.

Afghanistan scored 123/7 in 20 overs after being put into bat. Najibullah Zadran's 40-ball-48 studded with four boundaries and a six was the reason for them reaching a fighting total after being down at 56 for five.

In reply, the Afghan bowlers maintained a disciplined line and length.

It was heartening to see skipper Asghar Stanikzai toss up the ball to off-spinner Mohammed Nabi with West Indies needing 10 runs off the last over.

Afghan cricket, 2009- 2017

Afghan cricket, 2009- 2017
From The Times of India

See graphic above.

2017

June 2017/ Granted Test status

Avijit Ghosh |Conflict gave cricket to war-torn Afghanistan | Jun 23 2017 |The Times of India (Delhi)


THE TEAM HAS TAKEN LONG STRIDES WITH RECENT WINS OVER BANGLADESH AND WEST INDIES IN ODIS


The Afghanistan Cricket Board was formed in 1995 and the country became an affiliate member of the ICC in 2001. Who would have thought that they would have gained ICC's full membership and Test status within 16 years? They have also been among the game's fastest learners.

In recent times, Afghanistan have become the best among the minnows of world cricket. Even against Zimbabwe, a Test playing nation, they have an 11-8 ODI record.Against Bangladesh, they are 2-3.Earlier this month, captain Asghar Stanikzai's men shocked the West Indies at home carving out a handsome 63 run victory at St Lucia.

Leg spinner Rashid Khan produced one of the most eye-popping spells in the history of ODIs: seven for 18. At least, Khan can waltz into India's Test team.

There is a reason why Sunrisers Hyderabad paid Rs 4 crore for him; he went on to become the sixth highest wicket taker in IPL 10.

War has been Afghanistan's curse. Strangely, it was conflict that gave cricket to Afghanistan. The USSR invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 which lasted nearly a decade created millions of refugees in the bordering areas of Pakistan. The immigrants kept coming and going for decades. Many of them were seduced by cricket. Later, as they returned home, the game struck root even in the country's interiors.

The Test matches are likely to be played in Shaheed Vijay Singh Sports Complex in Greater Noida, Afghanistan's official home ground.

November 2017/ Win under-19 Asia Cup title

Afghanistan claim maiden Under-19 Asia Cup title, November 20, 2017: The Times of India


Afghanistan thrashed Pakistan in the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup to register a historic triumph and lift the title at the Kinrara Academy Oval in Kuala Lumpur, reports cricbuzz-.com. Chasing 248, Pakistan were trounced by 185 runs as they folded for 63.

Pakistan just couldn’t recover from the early punches Mujeeb Zadran landed. The pacer nipped out the openers - Mohammad Arif (4) and Omair Yousuf (0) - inside the fourth over to leave Pakistan wobbling 11for 2. Things just went pear shaped for them from there on 32 for 4.

Mohammad Taha hung around for 38 deliveries, scoring 19, but failed to find partners to bat around him. Qais Ahmad ended Taha's resistance and the a lower order failed to come to terms with the constant pressure.

Brief scores: Afghanistan 248-7 in 50 overs (Ikram Ali Khil 107) beat Pakistan 63 in 22.1 overs (Mujeeb Zadran 5-13) by 185 runs.

Home ground in Dehradun

2018: the beginning

Cricket diplomacy: Doon to be Af team’s new home, June 14, 2018: The Times of India


From the Hindu Kush to the Himalayan foothills, Afghanistan cricket has just found a new home. Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, will serve as the home ground of the Afghanistan cricket team according to an understanding which New Delhi and Kabul have arrived at, government sources said.

Afghanistan recently acquired test status and will play its first test match against India in Bangalore on June 14-18. Afghanistan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah will be the chief guest for the event.

Afghanistan recently played a T 20 series against Bangladesh in Dehradun. The same stadium, official sources said, has been lent to Afghanistan to serve as its official home ground where it can host international matches.

India is hoping that this piece of cricket diplomacy will help it earn more goodwill with the Afghan people at a time there is increasing uncertainty not just about the political situation in Kabul but also India’s role in it.

As government officials here said, India has been associated with the development of cricket in Afghanistan since 2001 when Afghanistan joined ICC. In 2015, India allowed the Afghan cricket team to shift base to Greater Noida from Shariah. However, now with Afghanistan qualified to play test matches, the Indian government realised it was important for their team to have its own exclusive cricket stadium which would host their international matches.

“Most of the Afghan players have received training from Indian coaches in their formative years. India had also helped in construction of cricket stadiums and grounds in Afghanistan, like in Kandahar,” said an official.

Unlike Pakistan cricketers, Afghan players like Rashid Khan and Mohammed Nabi feature regularly in IPL and even have a fan following here. The Indian establishment is investing in Afghan cricket as it believes the game can act as a unifying force in a country otherwise torn apart by politics of ethnicity.

According to another understanding reached last month, all teams touring India will now play one practice game against Afghanistan, an arrangement which will provide international exposure to the team.

2018

Tests

Afghanistan loses first test to India

Manuja Veerappa, India crush Afghanistan by an innings and 262 runs in debut Test, June 15, 2018: The Times of India


HIGHLIGHTS

Afghanistan were bowled out for 103 in their 2nd dig after following on

India recorded their biggest ever innings victory

This was India's first ever Test win inside two days


Had this historic Test match been a bout of heavyweight boxing, Afghanistan's players would have been peeling themselves off the canvas and heading to the infirmary. They will carry the scars of this rout, but one hopes - in the interests of cricket's well-being - not for long.

All it took for India to wrap up another Test victory at home was 66.3 overs and 290 minutes after lunch on the second day. India's innings and 262-run win margin will be remembered as will Afghanistan's abject capitulation. It was only the fourth instance when a Test team has been dismissed twice in a day - in Afghanistan's case over less than two sessions.

The visiting team, who came dressed in their festive best on the occasion of Eid-al-Fitr before slipping into white flannels, didn't have much to celebrate in the end.

Replying to India's first innings tally of 474 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Afghanistan mustered 109 in their first essay. Their second essay, after being asked to follow-on, was similar - 103 runs. However, one must remember that South Africa made only 84 in the first innings of their first Test against England way back in 1889.

It wasn't the only positive for Afghanistan. They did eject a formidable Indian batting line-up in about four sessions and they did show glimpses - albeit too fleeting - of what it takes to see off time in a Test match when Asghar Stanikzai and Hashmatullah Shahidi put on 37 for the fifth wicket in the second innings. Stanikzai undid all the hard work with an incredibly extravagant attempt of a hoist. In time, hopefully, the skipper will learn.

The virtue of patience and preparedness to wear down opposition bowlers is one of the hardest lessons Afghanistan will have to imbibe from this game. There was little in terms of footwork and even less in intent of rotating the strike too. But then, they are a team that is only one Test match - nay just two days - old.

India's bowlers were too quick and skillful for this inexperienced side. Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav returned match hauls four each, while spin combo of R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja finished with five and six wickets respectively.

The Afghans began to unravel in the fourth over of their first innings when a direct hit from Pandya at point sent back sauntering opener Mohammad Shahzad. Thus, began the visitors parade back to the pavilion with only Mohammad Nabi putting up a fighting 24 (44b, 4x4).

In the second essay, the only two players who returned decent numbers were Sahidi (36 n.o, 88b, 4x6) and Stanikzai (25, 58, 4x4, 1x6).

Ashwin completed the formalities in the extended hour, cleaning up Wafadar's middle stump.

Earlier, starting at an overnight score of 347/6, India added 127 runs in 26.5 overs, losing four wickets in the process. Overnight batsman Ashwin (18, 39b, 1x4) did not extend his stay at the crease for long. Wicketkeeper Ahmad Zazai pouched a Yamin Ahmadzai delivery edged by Ashwin.

The pacer could have accounted for Ravindra Jadeja in the next ball, but first Zazai and then skipper Stanikzai, at first slip, failed to hold on to a catch, which ensured a 67-run eight-wicket partnership between Hardik Pandya and Jadeja. In the meanwhile, Pandya helped himself to a half-century (71, 94b, 10x4).

During his 130 minutes stay at the creases, Pandya wasn't his flamboyant self. Instead, he played a measured and mature innings. He patiently waited for the loose balls to be put away. Hardik's vigil ended when he gifted a catch to Zazai off Wafadar.

Before India wrapped up the innings, the last man in -Umesh Yadav- who was cheered on vivaciously by the crowd for his Royal Challengers Bangalore connection-entertained with a 21-ball 26 which included two maximums and an equal number of fours.

Umesh's blitz set the tone for the domination of the Indian bowlers for the rest of the day.

Brief Scores: India 474 (Shikhar Dhawan 107, Murali Vijay 105 ) beat Afghanistan (109 & 103) by an innings and 262 runs

Test cricket

2019: Beat Ireland, register first win in Tests

Beat Ireland, Register First Win In Test, March 19, 2019: The Times of India


Afghanistan registered their first Test victory after Rahmat Shah’s second fifty of the match helped secure their seven-wicket win against Ireland in a one-off contest in Dehradun.

Chasing 147 for the victory, Afghanistan rode a 139-run stand between Shah and Ihsanullah Janat to romp home for a memorable win nine months after their chastening Test debut against India.

After falling two short of becoming Afghanistan’s first-ever Test centurion in their first innings, Shah grinded out an impressive 76, while Janat remained not out on 65.

Afghanistan lost Shah and Mohammad Nabi to back-toback deliveries in a James Cameron-Dow over before Hashmatullah Shahidi smashed the winning boundary to trigger celebrations in the Afghan dressing room.

“It’s a historic day for Afghanistan, for our team and our people,” said the winning captain Asghar Afghan, who made 67 in the first innings.

“We have been playing for a while, we have been playing first-class cricket, so we have that composure.

“The bowlers were very good, Rashid (Khan), Yamin (Ahmadzai). Now we’re going to South Africa for World Cup preparation. We will try our best to play good cricket.”

Ireland were on the backfoot from the opening day when they were bowled out for 172 at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium. Afghanistan responded with a total of 314 all out to secure a healthy first innings lead.

In-form Andrew Balbirnie top-scored with 82 in a much-improved second-innings batting display from Ireland but leg-spinner Rashid Khan’s maiden five-wicket haul restricted them to 288 all out. Both Ireland and Afghanistan were playing their second-ever Test since being awarded a full member status in 2017.

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