Afghanistan's Preparation for T20 World Cup in Doubt as Taliban Captures Stadiums

Within months of Western forces leaving Afghanistan, the Taliban took control of the country. The ongoing turmoil in the Test-playing country has also affected cricket. The Taliban's capture of the stadium has raised concerns about Afghanistan's T20 World Cup preparations.

This year's edition of the T20 World Cup will start next October. Afghanistan will participate directly in the Super 12 stage of the event. But cricket in the country is in danger due to the news of attacks.

With the exception of the three IPL stars, the rest of Afghanistan's cricketers in the World Cup squad were supposed to prepare in their own country. But their World Cup preparation has faded away in the country's volatile situation. After capturing Kandhar and Ghazni, the Taliban are advancing on the capital, Kabul. The Taliban now takes control of three of Afghanistan's eight major cricket stadiums.

The cricketers who were practicing at the local stadium are also now spending time off the field with their bat-pads rolled up. The board could not give any good responses about the situation.

During these difficult times, Afghanistan stars Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan have extended a helping hand to the affected people through their foundations. Other cricketers have come forward too. However, there are deep doubts and concerns about how Afghanistan will prepare for their World Cup.