Afghan cricket fans in UAE delight in nation's performance at World Cup


Ali Al Shouk
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Afghan residents in the UAE erupted with joy as their country's cricket team clinched a thrilling victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the 2023 World Cup.

Fans told The National the historic win would be be forever etched in their country's sporting history.

Wazhma Ayoubi, owner of a real estate company and fashion brand in Dubai, said that she was in the stadium at Chennai, India, cheering and supporting her national team.

“I was overwhelmed when the match ended. It is our first win against Pakistan in six years. It is like we have won the World Cup,” Ms Ayoubi said.

"The Afghan cricketers are such a source of happiness for us right now."

Wazhma Ayoubi, an Afghan cricket fan, supportng her national team at the 2023 World Cup. Photo: Wazhma Ayoubi
Wazhma Ayoubi, an Afghan cricket fan, supportng her national team at the 2023 World Cup. Photo: Wazhma Ayoubi

The 29-year-old, who moved to Dubai six years ago, said she has been a cricket fan for as long as she can remember.

Her love of cricket meant there was no way she was missing her country's opening game in the tournament against India either.

“The atmosphere was amazing as many Indian fans were also cheering for Afghanistan to win the match. A lot of Afghani people travelled to India to support the team," she said.

"I saw Afghani people coming from the US, UK and so many other countries.

“When the flag was raised our tears poured out with the national anthem."

Ms Ayoubi said her country's cricketers have what it takes to go far in the tournament having already defeated England and, now, Pakistan.

“Our players are doing a great job, they have the talent and are working hard," she said.

"We pray they qualify for the semi-finals.”

Female supporters have a voice too

Attending the matches in India as a female supporter is important to Ms Ayoubi because women are not allowed to attend matches or even go to school, in her Taliban-controlled homeland.

“Whatever they do to us they cannot erase us. I want to go to matches to show the world that Afghan women can express their passion for cricket,” she said.

She said the nation's cricketers are role models for Afghan people because they are contributing towards donation drives and helping to fund aid to help those in her home country.

“My favourite player is Rashid Khan and he, along with other players, are doing a fantastic job in contributing to humanitarian activities for our people in Afghanistan. We are all proud of them," she said.

Other members of the UAE-based Afghan community are also supporting their national team, hoping they can win the world cup for the first time in the competition's history.

Mohammed Nasser, 28, who works as a waiter in Dubai with Afghanistan cricketer Rahmanullah Gurbaz, right. Photo: Mohammed Nasser
Mohammed Nasser, 28, who works as a waiter in Dubai with Afghanistan cricketer Rahmanullah Gurbaz, right. Photo: Mohammed Nasser

Mohammed Nasser, 28, who works as a waiter in Dubai, said the atmosphere was electric as he watched the match on TV at the restaurant he works in.

“The match had all the elements of a cricketing classic. This win means the world to us," he said.

It is not just a cricket match, but a moment of unity and pride for all Afghans.

“Our team has shown the world that we are a force to be reckoned with in the cricketing world, and we're here to stay."

Mr Nasser said that one of his heroes, the cricket player Rahmanullah Gurbaz, once visited the restaurant and he had the pleasure to have his picture taken with him.

“He is a humble person and great player. The players made us proud, and this victory is a testament to the resilience and determination of our national cricket team,” he said.

“We are proud of our heritage, and this win brings us closer together."

The cricket World Cup is taking place in India until November 19.

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DUBAI SEVENS 2018 DRAW

Gulf Men’s League
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain, Dubai Sports City Eagles
Pool B – Jebel Ali Dragons, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers

Gulf Men’s Open
Pool A – Bahrain Firbolgs, Arabian Knights, Yalla Rugby, Muscat
Pool B – Amman Citadel, APB Dubai Sharks, Jebel Ali Dragons 2, Saudi Rugby
Pool C – Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2, Roberts Construction, Dubai Exiles 2
Pool D – Dubai Tigers, UAE Shaheen, Sharjah Wanderers, Amman Citadel 2

Gulf U19 Boys
Pool A – Deira International School, Dubai Hurricanes, British School Al Khubairat, Jumeirah English Speaking School B
Pool B – Dubai English Speaking College 2, Jumeirah College, Dubai College A, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2
Pool C – Bahrain Colts, Al Yasmina School, DESC, DC B
Pool D – Al Ain Amblers, Repton Royals, Dubai Exiles, Gems World Academy Dubai
Pool E – JESS A, Abu Dhabi Sharks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 1, EC

Gulf Women
Pool A – Kuwait Scorpions, Black Ruggers, Dubai Sports City Eagles, Dubai Hurricanes 2
Pool B – Emirates Firebirds, Sharjah Wanderers, RAK Rides, Beirut Aconites
Pool C – Dubai Hurricanes, Emirates Firebirds 2, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Transforma Panthers
Pool D – AUC Wolves, Dubai Hawks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers

Gulf U19 Girls
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, BSAK, DESC, Al Maha
Pool B – Arabian Knights, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Abu Dhabi Harlequins

Updated: October 28, 2023, 6:20 AM`