[PICTURES/VIDEOS] The Pakistan-Afghanistan cricket rivalry

[Major]

Its no secret that Afghan fans dont like Pakistan due to political reasons, and Pakistani fans also have resentment towards afghan fans because they expect them to kiss up to them rather than india but it doesnt happen.

Each time we see them play, the stadium gets sold out, oh and there are brawls that take place around the stadium and on the streets aswell.

Afghanistan has never won an international crickrt match against Pakistan and are desperately waiting to do so. Interestingly, whenevr botha re playing, there have been very close encounters with Pakistan winning.

While Pakistani fans wont admit to this, surely a new rivalry is being developed in international cricket which can be milked in future

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Too soon.

Can’t call it rivalry when the teams don’t meet much, one team hasn’t won anything against the other and plays largely 2 formats.

Teams like Bangladesh and Zimbabwe have won matches against Pakistan and yet, that is also not a rivalry.

 

[Varun]

The Afghanistan-Pakistan fans rivalry is intense. Puts any other cricketing rivalry to shame, including the childishly hostile India-Bangladesh one.

 

[Major]

Too soon.

Can’t call it rivalry when the teams don’t meet much, one team hasn’t won anything against the other and plays largely 2 formats.

Teams like Bangladesh and Zimbabwe have won matches against Pakistan and yet, that is also not a rivalry.

Pakistan and india dont meet much.

We never won anaything against india in an actual world cup, does that mean when india faces us in odi world cup, that is not a rivalry than?

This rivalry is a one that is developing and is in progress.

 

[Major]

The Afghanistan-Pakistan fans rivalry is intense. Puts any other cricketing rivalry to shame, including the childishly hostile India-Bangladesh one.

It is, the brawls and the fights and tha hatred between the two is istense.

Pakistan fans dont have that much hatred towards indian fans that they have towards afghan fans

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Pakistan and india dont meet much.

We never won anaything against india in an actual world cup, does that mean when india faces us in odi world cup, that is not a rivalry than?

This rivalry is a one that is developing and is in progress.

Pakistan and India have played 160 matches over 75 year history. How are we comparing it to Pakistan-Afghanistan's?

 

[Major]

Pakistan and India have played 160 matches over 75 year history. How are we comparing it to Pakistan-Afghanistan's?

I said its a developing rivalry. Both fans dont look at each other in the eye

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

I said its a developing rivalry. Both fans dont look at each other in the eye

That I agree with. Tons of hostility between fans. Some close games.

 

[Madplayer]

Its more hatred than rivalry. Especially from the Afghan side. Hope it changes for the better.

 

[Slim]

One sided rivalry, and thats from Afghan side. We don’t care. They are not even near us yet let alone a rivalry. Pakistan has two true cricket rivalries. India and England.

 

[Slim]

I said its a developing rivalry. Both fans dont look at each other in the eye

Clutching at straws and a poor take. You don’t equate ethnic hatred to rivalry. Also, a rivalry is where the opponent at least manages to win a single match LOL

 

[Markhor]

The hostility is mainly from the Afghan side. The violence at Headingley in 2019 was largely instigated by their supporters. Before that, very few Pakistanis would've described Afghanistan as cricketing rivals.

There may be genuine grievances about Pakistan Govt's role in Afghanistan, but as a cricket nation Pakistan have assisted Afghanistan significantly with our coaches working there, Afghans playing in our leagues and our players participating in their T20 tournament. So to have that thrown back in our faces has caused resentment from our side.

 

[Mamoon]

One sided rivalry, and thats from Afghan side. We don’t care. They are not even near us yet let alone a rivalry. Pakistan has two true cricket rivalries. India and England.

England does not consider Pakistan a rival, if you want to force a rivalry that is something else though. I don’t see the point of having zabardasti ki rivalries…

 

[Majestic]

The two best teams in Asia at present.

 

[Major]

One sided rivalry, and thats from Afghan side. We don’t care. They are not even near us yet let alone a rivalry. Pakistan has two true cricket rivalries. India and England.

I find it hilarious that you claim afghans force a rovalry than went on to say england is a rival lmaoo...

 

[Major]

Clutching at straws and a poor take. You don’t equate ethnic hatred to rivalry. Also, a rivalry is where the opponent at least manages to win a single match LOL

There is ethnic andnpolitical hatred. You keep contradicting yourself.

Karachi lahore rivlary in psl is ethnic basis. Pak india is poliical.
Afghan has both. Pkistan never manage to win against india in a world cup, so that means india and pakistan match in world is not a rivalry match?

 

[Major]

The hostility is mainly from the Afghan side. The violence at Headingley in 2019 was largely instigated by their supporters. Before that, very few Pakistanis would've described Afghanistan as cricketing rivals.

There may be genuine grievances about Pakistan Govt's role in Afghanistan, but as a cricket nation Pakistan have assisted Afghanistan significantly with our coaches working there, Afghans playing in our leagues and our players participating in their T20 tournament. So to have that thrown back in our faces has caused resentment from our side.

Brother, afghans dont owe pakistan anything. Just because we allowed their cricketers to play or we helped them with coaching means nothing when we have played a hand in destroying their whole country.

even if we ignore that, Afghans in Pakistan are mistreated with racism.

I remember during my club days, security forces used to treat afghans with batameez and hate on them for no reason.

Pakistani fans get annoyed that afghans appreciate india more than us. The reason for that is simple, india has done meaningful investment in there country which is why they appreciate them more.

Thus, this resentment has increased from both sides. Pakistanis arnt angels.

Yes there was violance in headingly, but in dubai, there were large number of afghans but not really any violence.

 

[Shafi]

To be honest the rivalry is actually arrogant Afghan players plus idol worshipper Afghan fans brainwashed by Western media. General Afghans are close to Pakistan people so as our players. Its one sided!!!!!!`

 

[Shafi]

Brother, afghans dont owe pakistan anything. Just because we allowed there cricketers to play or we helped them with coaching means nothing when we have played a hand in destroying there whole country.

even if we ignore than. Afghans in pakistanistan are mistreated with racism.

I remember during my club days, security forces used to treat afghans with batameez and hate on them for no reason.

Pakistani fans get annoyed that afghans appreciate india more than us. The reason for that is simple, india has done meaningful investment in there country which is why they appreciate them more.

Thus, this resentment has increased from both sides. Pakistanis arnt angels.

Yes there was violance in headingly, but in dubai, there were large number of afghans but not really violence.

India dosen't help for nothing but wanted to Afghan turn against Pakistan. Its a siple politics you should be able to understand that.

 

[Major]

India dosen't help for nothing but wanted to Afghan turn against Pakistan. Its a siple politics you should be able to understand that.

No country in the world helps another country for no reason. There will always be a reason behind it.

India provides afghans with free health care in there country. Tons of afghans fly to delhi to get there surgeries. The hospital has even employed staff that can speak in pashto/dari and translate the convo.

This is why, Afghan fans appreciate India and support them.

I understand pakistani fans want Afghans to kiss up to us just because we follow the same religion and to prove that religious aliance is bigger. But one thing i have often found interesting with afghanistan and bangladesh is that they show that alliance on religion means nothing. Alliances will always be based upon foreign relations no matter what religion you belong to

 

[Major]

You are the perfect afghani type living in Pakistan. Support India and be against everything that is Pakistani!

So if you live in australia, and support pakistan against australia, than that makes you a traitor?

Or its ok for minorities of england and australia to support who they want but people of pakistan cannot have that freedom.

Hence, its ok if you enjoy that freedom but same freedom shouldnt be enjoyed back home..

 

[Rana]

We have a chance to send both Afghanistan and India home today

 

[Sunny_majoka]

Every time we play Afghanistan it's always close encounter. The day when we will be on loosing side isn't too far

 

[Rana]

I would love Pakistan to just go the KL/Rohit way against them today and just rattle them with a serious onslaught from the word go

 

[Waleed93]

Talk about an imaginary rivalry.

It's nothing more than a one-sided hatred which comes from Afghanistan's uneducated fans who turn up in group of men to attack Pakistani fans who come in families.
[MENTION=135038]Major[/MENTION] is just inventing a new rivalry here because he himself want Afghanistan to win against "his own country".

Two posters here are justifying this hate and violence against Pakistan team/fans are not less than those ungrateful Afghans.

Whatever sin the Pakistan Army commited against Afghanistan doesn't justify their hatred and violence during cricket matches.

Our cricket structure still allowed them to play and even live in Pakistan. Without Pakistan cricket's support, they would still be playing in the ruins of their villages, far, far away from Test status.

We don't consider them as rivals. Our only rival is India, and the reason why people like me want to win at any cost against Afghanistan is to put their fans at their place so that they don't forget their aukaat and our role in them playing the game of cricket.

 

[Major]

Talk about an imaginary rivalry.

It's nothing more than a one-sided hatred which comes from Afghanistan's uneducated fans who turn up in group of men to attack Pakistani fans who come in families.

[MENTION=135038]Major[/MENTION] is just inventing a new rivalry here because he himself want Afghanistan to win against "his own country".

Two posters here are justifying this hate and violence against Pakistan team/fans are not less than those ungrateful Afghans.

Whatever sin the Pakistan Army commited against Afghanistan doesn't justify their hatred and violence during cricket matches.

Our cricket structure still allowed them to play and even live in Pakistan. Without Pakistan cricket's support, they would still be playing in the ruins of their villages, far, far away from Test status.

We don't consider them as rivals. Our only rival is India, and the reason why people like me want to win at any cost against Afghanistan is to put their fans at their place so that they don't forget their aukaat and our role in them playing the game of cricket.

Funny how you call it one sided hatred than call afghanis as uneducated. Hence you prove the point that hatred is both ways.

Just because our cricket struture allowedthem to play doesnt mean they need to kiss up to us. They can support and critisize anyone they want. They owe nothing to nobody.

The violence is commited by a minor few. But the anger we take out is on the whole majority.

Not rivals, yet want to defeat them to put in place.....

Its a rivalry that is forming slowly and this hatred is part of it

 

[bujhee kom]

How can there be a rivalry between a newish team and an established side? Afghanistan are minnows. They do not have the pedigree of India, Pakistan, Lanka or Bangladesh. Their fans are immature and have to know you have to earn respect like the big 4 Asian teams have.

 

[Waleed93]

Funny how you call it one sided hatred than call afghanis as uneducated. Hence you prove the point that hatred is both ways.

Just because our cricket struture allowedthem to play doesnt mean they need to kiss up to us. They can support and critisize anyone they want. They owe nothing to nobody.

The violence is commited by a minor few. But the anger we take out is on the whole majority.

Not rivals, yet want to defeat them to put in place.....

Its a rivalry that is forming slowly and this hatred is part of it

There is no hatred from our side.

Unlike you, I am not going to support a team whose fans attacked Pakistani fans, including women, elders and children. This is the only reason why I won't tolerate a loss against them. No hatred towards their players.

Nobody is asking them to kiss up to us. You are the only one kissing up to them as you are openly supporting them against your own nation. They hate us with a passion, a win against them will only put them at their deserved place.

Yes, we all saw the videos from Headingley, where a huge chunk of their uneducated fans were trying to storm inside the stadium without tickets, physically attacking and throwing projectiles at Pakistani families who were watching the game peacefully. That was by no mean a minority of fans causing a dispute, I clearly remember Imad and Wahab rushing out of the pitch with security personel as some Afghans were trying to invade the pitch.

You are trying too hard.

 

[MenInG]

Pak Afghan players get along well.

 

[Kroll]

The Afghanistan-Pakistan fans rivalry is intense. Puts any other cricketing rivalry to shame, including the childishly hostile India-Bangladesh one.

I don't think Pak fans treat it as such even though some Afghan neds in England tried their hardest to make it so.

 

[Shafi]

[MENTION=135038]Major[/MENTION],
Watch body language from Pakistan players like Rauf, Nasim as they are playing with their younger siblings.

 

[OmarKhan99]

I'd like to see Afghanistan as a more of a brotherly/friendly team to Pak. Both countries have a history marred with horrible circumstances and political turmoil. Not too dissimilar in many aspects. Heaps of exciting cricketing potential too.

Good to see quite a few of the Pak-Afg players having a bit of a laugh out in the middle. Makes for mutually enjoyable viewing.

 

[asfandyar]

Pakistan vs India is a rivalry, as are Bangladesh vs Sri lanka and Australia vs England. Afghanistan can cause an upset here and there, but they are still not in the "rivalry" league. They should arrange more matches with West Indies as that is where the most potential of a rivalry sprouting up lies. Both Afg and WI are natural athletes that rely on raw talent.

 

[daytrader]

Stick to cricket please, we have lots of threads in Time Pass to discuss politics

 

[Waleed93]

How can there be a rivalry between a newish team and an established side? Afghanistan are minnows. They do not have the pedigree of India, Pakistan, Lanka or Bangladesh. Their fans are immature and have to know you have to earn respect like the big 4 Asian teams have.

They are definitely better than Bangladesh in T20Is, and will run them close in Tests in few years all well.

In ODIs, yes they will struggle.

 

[Savak]

The PCB should arrange a T20 and ODI series against Afghanistan in Pakistan in the kpk province. It will be a hit.

 

[bujhee kom]

They are definitely better than Bangladesh in T20Is, and will run them close in Tests in few years all well.

In ODIs, yes they will struggle.

They are minnows. Not WC QF-ists like BD.

 

[Major]

another close game going on

 

[Saj]

Asif v Fareed.

It was all heating up out there.

Words exchanged.

 

[Major]

Fareed Agnad did batameezi and Naseem Shah was really angry with them.

 

[daytrader]

Another thriller. Afghans really give it their all when playing against Pakistan

 

[RehanG]

How is that rivalry . Afghanistan has never won from Pakistan.

 

[as-95]

Glad we taught the ungrateful Afghans another lesson. They've always bitten the hand that feeds them so I'm glad we put them to the sword again!

 

[pillionrider]

Was obviously rooting for Afghanistan but an amazing game played with such josh by both teams - that's what you call salute-worthy performances. Not the fake swag of some of the mediocre clowns who were fast-tracked into the Indian team just because they apparently did something in the IPL. It would be a joke if India had qualified over either of these two teams and Sri Lanka.

 

[Kaddy]

That guy Fareed was seriously abusing Asif ali.

Thanks God, got a fitting reply.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

The Kobe-esque celebration from Naseem Shah was legendary. (Someone post it here and tag me please.)

Anyone else got a flashback of Afridi vs India 2 sixes?

 

[Kianig89]

Against Bangladesh we had once 31-1 as w/l
Now even against AFG we spank them this ain't a rivalry
Its just like Real Madrid vs Heulva or Barcelona vs Compostela or Juventus vs Foggia or Bayern vs Karlshure

 

[OmarKhan99]

This was an excellent cricketing game, and all players seemed in great spirits and having a bit of fun along the way. Really like Rahmunallah Gurbaz. Passionate, but equally pleasant.

Things did go sour for a minute, as would be expected in a game of high spirits. Some of the Afghan players teary eyed towards the end, you can tell how much that meant to them. Reminds me of Bangladesh back in 2012-14. Good effort!

 

[D/DAhmed]

Asif v Fareed.

It was all heating up out there.

Words exchanged.

Some of these guys are such a disgrace, take it well overboard each and every time. Poor from Asif as well to retaliate like that, and will be fined, but can’t help but think that such a reaction would only have come about if something very offensive was said.

 

[Champ_Pal]

Though the results are 100% in favor of Pakistan, I believe Afghanistan has arrived on the scene. They are a super dangerous team that can beat any team on a given day. They are just lacking another quality batsmen in their top order to be not considered a dark horse every time they play a big name team.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

Some of these guys are such a disgrace, take it well overboard each and every time. Poor from Asif as well to retaliate like that, and will be fined, but can’t help but think that such a reaction would only have come about if something very offensive was said.

Watch the video again. The bowler walked up to him and the fielder shoved him.

The thumbnail that cricinfo has put on their homepage is probably posted by some crying Indian.

Some things never change!

 

[Suleiman]

Lmao there’s no rivalry. They’ve never won a single game. There’s no history (cricket wise). Hatred alone doesn’t qualify a rivalry.

India-Pakistan is a rivalry. There’s rich cricketing history mixed with genuine competitiveness outside of cricket. Even the history outside of cricket dates back centuries if you think about it.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

Though the results are 100% in favor of Pakistan, I believe Afghanistan has arrived on the scene. They are a super dangerous team that can beat any team on a given day. They are just lacking another quality batsmen in their top order to be not considered a dark horse every time they play a big name team.

They always bring their A game vs Pak. Whenever we face them it is a close game.

Tomorrow Indian IPLer failures will smack em and show them their place.

 

[GLORY OF '92]

Wish Asif had punched his lights out but guess Naseem done it anyway....

 

[Stewie]

It looked like asif did punch him from the picture on the ESPN page

 

[DHONI183]

Regardless of how good or impressive they're, the Afghanistan pace bowlers can almost single-handedly lose the match in extreme pressure situation thanks to either full-tosses or other poor kind of deliveries. Ask Asif Ali, mind you.

There´s a lot of hype and excitement around this match, and it´s fully justified, given the kind of matches that we´ve had between these two teams. Considering the kind of tournament that we´ve had so far, it wouldn´t be a surprise if we end up with another tight contest. However, given then Afghanistan´s inability at closing out matches against Pakistan, I expect the latter to prevail in the end, even if by a margin of a solitary run. Afghanistan are yet to get better at handling nerves and intense pressure.

Link to the post:
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/s...-Pre-Match-Discussion&p=11560607#post11560607

One of the greatest finishes ever to a T20I match, one of the rarest match previews that you'll ever read, fellows. That's how you offer your pre-match analysis. The gut feeling just worked! What an incredible match!

 

[Champ_Pal]

They always bring their A game vs Pak. Whenever we face them it is a close game.

Tomorrow Indian IPLer failures will smack em and show them their place.

India might win. But that does not take it away from the improvement Afghans have made.

I rate Afghans over Bangladesh and Srilanka and even West Indies in T20 cricket. In a series, Afghans will definitely beat Srilanka and West Indies.

 

[ChTab]

This rivalry is so intense, just look at the emotion of Pak team running around the ground if this match meant nothing they would have been like yes ok we have won the game. This rivalry has the potential to be the best rivalry in a decade time. Pakistan & Afghanistan should play more often especially in ODI's & T20.

 

[Abid Z]

Really good and intense game of cricket though. Afghanistan have truly arrived as a serious short format cricket team. I think one has to appreciate the skills and planning of the under dogs which Afghanistan surely are. Maybe they just get carried away a little. It’s a long journey before it can be considered a real rivalry though. For a start you need a bit of history to develop rivalry.

 

[Major]

Atleast afghans take the game till the last ball. Makes the asia cup more better having them as a side that is capable of defeating us.

Im proud of these boys, and hope one day they beat us

 

[Major]

This rivalry is so intense, just look at the emotion of Pak team running around the ground if this match meant nothing they would have been like yes ok we have won the game. This rivalry has the potential to be the best rivalry in a decade time. Pakistan & Afghanistan should play more often especially in ODI's & T20.

Exactly. And pcb can milk this just by having it played in kpk.

 

[Asif321]

2018 Asia cup
2019 WC
2021 T20 WC
2022 Asia cup

All have been too close encounters. Afghan should have won both the Asia cup clashes .

 

[Snowflake]

Thing is, if one person starts to incessantly abuse the other person, you'll have what is Pak vs Afghanistan.

I wouldn't call this a rivalry, because Pak players do not really feel the same pressure or passion to win vs compared to India. What makes these games intense is the attitude of Afg players. Naseem was getting abused constantly, we all saw what happened with Asif... so, if you are on the winning end, you'll obviously give these jaahils some words back.

So, it's not a rivalry imo, but more about Afghanistan's hostile and immature attitude in these games. We could care less about playing and winning vs Afg.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

2018 Asia cup
2019 WC
2021 T20 WC
2022 Asia cup

All have been too close encounters. Afghan should have won both the Asia cup clashes .

I also remember the 2014 Asia Cup game being pretty tight at some points.

 

[Snowflake]

This rivalry is so intense, just look at the emotion of Pak team running around the ground if this match meant nothing they would have been like yes ok we have won the game. This rivalry has the potential to be the best rivalry in a decade time. Pakistan & Afghanistan should play more often especially in ODI's & T20.

Yaar our reaction was not because it was Afghanistan. It was a reaction to how they behaved with Asif and how they were constantly abusing Naseem. Winning vs Afg does not mean much - they are a non-entity in cricketing world.

Remember how the team reacted when we won in 2019 WC? Zero emotions. That's how our players feel when playing vs Afg.

 

[Snowflake]

Pakistanu fans are no angels bro. The racusm the hatred that they spread us no different

Who are you kidding? I have been to several Pak games recently - the fans are anything but hateful.

 

[Champ_Pal]

Is it matching India-Pakistan rivalry? I don't see the same emotion from either of Pakistan or India whenever they win against each other.

Its high time Pakistan and Afghanistan play a T20 series. Would be an amazing one. Most Indians will watch it too.

 

[Kianig89]

This ain't a rivalry is Liverpool vs Wycombe Wanderers a rivalry

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

They have all been close encounters but the only reason it feels like a rivalry is because of some toxic/ultra nationalistic fans and players. Because if it was an actual rivalry, Afghanistan would have won atleast once. But they have bottled it every single time. Eventhough they seemed like winning, every single time.

 

[Anis Shivani]

Cricket is just a game.
To have outstanding relations with Afghanistan and mutual respect on both sides in every area of life is what matters.

 

[Snowflake]

Its more hatred than rivalry. Especially from the Afghan side. Hope it changes for the better.

Exactly. Rivalry is both ways and is not personal. Afg take Pak games personally and their attitude is of pure hatred. Our guys could care less (e.x. WC 2019), but they give it back if Afg cross the line like they did today.

 

[IAJ]

Its more hatred than rivalry. Especially from the Afghan side. Hope it changes for the better.

Good to see you again brother, how is the situation in IOK?

 

[Waleed93]

They are minnows. Not WC QF-ists like BD.

Great achievement after decades of ODI cricket.

Afghanistan in 2 decades will have achieved far more with this passion and talent.

 

[RexRex]

Pakistan-Afghanistan is possibly a bigger rivalry than India-Pak rivalry and I thought that before today's thriller of a game.

 

[bujhee kom]

Pk made a hash of that.

 

[Snowflake]

Is it matching India-Pakistan rivalry? I don't see the same emotion from either of Pakistan or India whenever they win against each other.

Its high time Pakistan and Afghanistan play a T20 series. Would be an amazing one. Most Indians will watch it too.

Pakistan displayed ZERO emotions when they beat Afg in 2019 WC. The players don't see this as a rivalry. Emotions were displayed today because both Asif and Naseem were copping constant abuse by the Afghanis.

 

[Snowflake]

Pakistan-Afghanistan is possibly a bigger rivalry than India-Pak rivalry and I thought that before today's thriller of a game.

Yeah, not from our side. It's basically hatred from Afghanistan; if you can call it a rivalry.

 

[RexRex]

Yeah, not from our side. It's basically hatred from Afghanistan; if you can call it a rivalry.

Don't deny it .. everybody saw how you celebrated today's win.

 

[Waleed93]

That send off from Fareed after getting Asif's wicket represents the hatred (not the rivalry) these Afghans have for Pakistan.

This is the reason why I would always prefer to lose against India rather than these jokers who cross the limit everytime we play them.

No hate to the likes of Nabi, Rashid, the Afghan keeper etc... they all have been nice, but they are a minority.

The majority of their fans have the same rotten attitude towards Pakistan, as shown by that Fareed guy, who very obviously verbally abused Asif.

A great response by Naseem to put these ungrateful clowns their aukaat.

 

[Waleed93]

Don't deny it .. everybody saw how you celebrated today's win.

It was a tough 1 wicket win in the last over, in a tournament, with 2 consecutive sixes hit by our No.10.

The celebrations would have been the same had it been Australia or Zimbabwe.