Afghanistan's first ODI win after gaining ODI status

Exactly 10 years ago, on this day, Afghanistan after gaining ODI status for 4 years, won their first ODI match against Scotland. It was the match at 2009 ICC World Cup Qualifier, for 5th place play off. On that match, Afghanistan won the toss and decided to bat first. Each and every one contributed well in the innings. They had a great start and after the openers were gone, Mohammad Nabi scored almost perfect run a ball innings and played with middle order batsman and at the end Samiullah Shinwari scored at vital 52 runs which reached them to a score of 295/8 at the quota of 50 overs. But, Scotland team, weren't in the game right from the start. Even though KJ Coetzer, Neil McCallum and John Blain contributed runs on the board, others weren't typically present in the game and fell short of target by 90 runs. Afghanistan bowlers were really on the top, bowled in perfect line and made it difficult for them to score. Even though, Afghanistan team weren't able to qualify for 2011 ICC Cricket WorldCup, they gained ODI status for next 4 years which they used perfectly. They, then gained status as test playing nation and it is currently in the 10th position in ODI and Test while 7th position in T20Is which is their best ever. Within a span of 10 years, they have made this much improvement. 

The Associate teams, should need to be supported by ICC and also test playing top ranked nations, which surely give a healthy and perfect result in cricketing history and also it will add more competitive cricket in upcoming years with increased number of test playing nations. BCCI (Board of Cricket COuncil of India), in the past 10 years, have contributed much for the development of Afgnaistani cricket. They contributed financially and also allowed permissions to play their international matches in Indian Stadiums. Also, in IPL, Afganistani cricketers were selected in franchises, gave much salary which weren't received while playing for their national cricket board and were trained much under the guidance of world class coaches with much improved fitness levels. SOme of the quality players include, Mohammad Nabi, who travelled with the team from 2006 and still has a great impact of the team. In simple words, he is the backbone of Afghanistan cricket team. Rashid Khan, a youngster, one of the top all rounders in the cricket world, right now. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, another youngster, whose bowling is still a mystery and difficult for batsman to face him. Both Rashid and Mujeeb have represented IPL teams, and Rashid Khan receives a salary of 9 crores per season !

In the upcoming years, this conmtribution will definitely reflect in their development, and right now it is the domination of Asian Cricket teams in the International Cricket. Like BCCI, every international cricket boards and ICC should think for the development of Associated teams in this International Format.