Fledgling nation awarded prestigious prize
Afghanistan represent the "Spirit of Sport"
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has capped off a remarkable eighteen months by winning the prestigious Laureus “Spirit of Sport” award at a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.
Considered the ‘Oscars of sport’, the Laureus World Sport Awards recognise excellence in the domain of athletic competition and includes the dominant, Steve-Waugh led, Australian cricket team as a past “Team of the year” winner.
ICC Chief Executive David Richardson congratulated the ACB on their success.
“We have been aware of the inspiring rise of cricket in Afghanistan for some time,” said Mr Richardson in a statement published on the icc-cricket.com.
“However, by receiving this prestigious award, it is clear that the wider international sports community has now also recognised the significant, positive influence cricket is having in Afghanistan.
“Congratulations to the ACB on this outstanding achievement.”
Currently ranked 11th and 12th in T20s and ODIs respectively, Afghanistan has qualified for the last three World T20 tournaments and, just this year, qualified for their inaugural 50-over World Cup – to be held in Australia and New Zealand in 2015.
ACB CEO Noor Mohammed Murad lauded the efforts of his players and staff after collecting the award.
"Afghanistan's success on the pitch has, indeed, captured the imagination of the whole cricketing world," he said in a Laureus release.
"The enthusiasm for the game shown especially by young players, often against almost insurmountable odds in terms of pitches and facilities, is a story being told again and again.
“Cricket is more than a game in Afghanistan. It is a tool which is making an impact in the development of peace, unity and development. I am sure this award will motivate us in continuing to build cricket and its impact in our country."
Afghanistan has been drawn in the same World Cup pool as Australia and will face the hosts in a day-night contest at the WACA ground on March 4th 2015.
Quick Single: You complete guide to Afghanistan at the ICC World T20