Former Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, following Afghanistan’s national cricket team’s victory in the ICC Champions Trophy tournament, released a message describing the win as a symbol of Afghan resilience and hope. He specifically highlighted Afghanistan’s historic victory against England, calling it the result of the national team’s determination, commitment, and aspirations.
While cricket is primarily considered a sporting competition, Ghani’s message carries political and diplomatic significance as well. Given Afghanistan’s current political situation, international isolation, and limited global achievements under Taliban rule, cricket has become more than just a sport—it has transformed into a symbol of national unity, global identity, and resistance.
In this context, Ghani’s message can be interpreted as an effort to preserve Afghanistan’s national identity during Taliban rule. He seeks to connect with the emotions of Afghans, portraying this victory as a symbol of their resilience and aspirations.
In global politics, sporting victories are often utilized as a tool of soft power to shape a country’s image. Amid Afghanistan’s growing isolation, cricket remains one of the few avenues keeping the country’s name alive on the global stage. Although Ghani’s message appears to be a simple congratulatory note, it could also be seen as a subtle assertion of his continued political relevance in opposition to the Taliban.
Through this message, Ghani not only seeks to evoke national sentiments but also aims to send a clear signal to the international community about his ongoing political presence. Indirectly, he suggests that he will remain a key figure in Afghanistan’s future political landscape.
This statement comes at a time when, under three years of Taliban rule, Afghanistan has continued to move toward international isolation, with no clear path forward for the country’s future.
