Reports: Ajay Jadeja refused to accept any payment from Afghanistan Cricket Board for his mentorship

In the ODI World Cup held in India last year, the Afghanistan cricket team delivered outstanding performances that left a lasting impression on cricket enthusiasts. They came close to defeating Australia but were thwarted by Glenn Maxwell's double century.

Nevertheless, they secured notable victories against England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands. Despite these achievements, Afghanistan finished the tournament in sixth place, which ensured their qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

A significant contributor to Afghanistan's success was India's former cricketer Ajay Jadeja, who served as the team's mentor during the tournament. Leveraging his extensive international cricket experience and deep knowledge of Indian pitches, Jadeja played a crucial role in guiding the Afghan team.

Remarkably, it was revealed that Jadeja did not accept any payment from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) for his mentorship. The CEO of ACB stated that Jadeja declined any financial compensation, expressing that the team's good performance would be his reward and prize.

Ajay Jadeja's cricket career spans from 1992 to 2000, during which he scored 576 runs in 15 Test matches, with a highest score of 96. In One Day Internationals, he represented India in 196 matches, amassing 5359 runs at an average of 37.47, including six centuries and 30 half-centuries. Jadeja also boasts a wealth of experience in 111 first-class and 291 List A cricket matches, accumulating over 8000 runs, 31 centuries, and 88 half-centuries.

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Afghanistan's recent performances in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 have been nothing short of exceptional. They have displayed remarkable skill and confidence in their opening three matches, securing convincing victories against Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, and Uganda. These triumphs have set them on a promising path towards qualifying for the Super Eight stage of the tournament.

Their victory over Papua New Guinea was particularly dominant, showcasing Afghanistan's batting prowess and bowling precision. The match against New Zealand, a traditionally strong cricketing nation, was a testament to Afghanistan's growing competence and ability to challenge top-tier teams. Similarly, their comfortable win against Uganda further highlighted their consistent form and strategic excellence.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Afghanistan to see how they sustain and potentially elevate this impressive run. Their players have demonstrated significant potential and skill, raising expectations that they could cause upsets against more established teams in the later stages of the competition. The Afghan squad, known for their resilience and competitive spirit, are well-equipped to surprise and outperform in this grand event.