A nervy start

By Alex Spillius

ISLAMABAD, OCT. 16. No doubt troubled by the bombardment of their homeland, Afghanistan's cricket team had a nervy start to the opening game of their first foreign tour on Monday.

Led by opening bowler, Allahdad Noori - bearded, like all the players, in accordance with Taliban rules - they were bowled out for 125 by a team of Pakistanis who then scored 205 for eight declared.

The Afghans still came off the field smiling. ``In any situation we keep on playing, even with the fighting,'' said the team's coach, Shamal Khan.

He said the eventual aim was for international accreditation and matches against leading cricket nations.

The match against Nowshera Cricket Association XI was played at a dusty ground in the North West Frontier Province and watched by 150 spectators. There was a morning break for prayers.

There are only four grounds in Afghanistan. Some matches have been played in a stadium in Kabul used by the Taliban for public amputations, floggings and executions.

Mr. Noori, who returned to Kabul four years ago after nearly 20 years in Pakistan as a refugee, said he was naturally anxious about the bombing.

``Sports and war are two different things,'' he said. ``Right now, I am playing sports. But I am worried because my family is in Kabul.''

The sport was introduced to Afghanistan by refugees formerly based in Pakistan during the Soviet occupation. ``It isn't international standard, but we try,'' Mr. Noori said.

- Copyright, Telegraph Group Ltd., London, 2001

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