Indian MEA Sushma Swaraj lauds Afghanistan for having secured Test status

In recent times, Afghanistan has risen through the ranks as a cricketing nation and has consolidated its foothold in the circle of cricket-playing nations. The country, along with Ireland became the 11th and 12th Test-playing nations as they were granted full Test status by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in June 2017. Indian Minister of External Affairs (MEA), Sushma Swaraj recently applauded their relentless effort and dedication that made them achieve the coveted status.

Favourable ties between India and Afghanistan have helped the latter grow in the world of cricket. A volatile atmosphere in the nation due to war and absence of stadiums adhering to international standards had acted as barriers in its preparation for major cricketing events. It is in this matter that India has made a significant contribution to the evolution of the country’s cricket by providing them with various facilities, with Greater Noida serving as the seat for all its international matches.

Sushma praises Afghanistan’s development as a cricketing nation

Speaking to the press after the Indo-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Council with various ministers including FM of the latter, Salahuddin Rabbani, Swaraj termed the Test status for the nation as “testament to the indomitable spirit of the people of Afghanistan.” She further confirmed that India would continue to collaborate with them to ‘build governance and democratic institutions.’

“The fact that Afghanistan attained the status of test playing nation is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the people of Afghanistan not to let the forces of death and destruction prevail,” said Swaraj, acknowledging the passion the Afghans hold for the game. Currently, there are  as many as ten stadiums and close to 15 cricket academies being developed in the country, to facilitate and strengthen their prospects in the regal game.

Here’s what Sushma Swaraj said (as tweeted by the Official Spokesperson for the MEA):

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— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 11, 2017