Afghan fans dream of hosting India at home one day
Afghanistan’s rise in world cricket has fuelled a simple but emotional dream among its fans: to host India on Afghan soil. As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup unfolds, Afghan supporters say on-field success has strengthened their hope of seeing their team play marquee nations at home in the future.
Forced to play home games at neutral venues for years, Afghanistan have still emerged as a competitive force, producing match-winners and memorable World Cup performances. “We have shown we belong at this level,” an Afghanistan Cricket Board official said, adding that hosting top teams is now “a long-term goal, not just a wish.”
Fans echo that belief. “Playing India in Afghanistan would mean everything to us,” said a Kabul-based supporter. “Cricket gives us pride and unity.” Former players also see progress, with one noting, “Results on the global stage are changing how the world looks at Afghan cricket.”
For now, the dream remains distant, but each strong World Cup showing keeps it alive — a reminder that for Afghan fans, the biggest victory would be welcoming the game back home.