Afghanistan’s meteoric rise in international cricket has been nothing short of extraordinary. From being ICC Associate members to competing against the world’s best teams in major tournaments, their journey reflects resilience, skill, and an indomitable spirit. While their performance in the Champions Trophy 2025 showcased flashes of brilliance, it also exposed key areas that require refinement. Cricketing greats like Dale Steyn and Wasim Jaffer have highlighted patience and consistency as crucial elements for Afghanistan to break into the ranks of ICC tournament winners. But what exactly needs to change for Afghanistan to secure an ICC trophy in the next decade?
Strengths that Position Afghanistan for Success
1. World-Class Spin Attack
Afghanistan’s spin-bowling arsenal is among the most feared in international cricket. Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad continue to bamboozle batsmen with their variations, making Afghanistan a formidable team in slow and turning conditions. Their ability to control the middle overs and break partnerships remains their biggest asset.
2. Growing Pool of Multi-Format Players
While Afghanistan has been a dominant force in T20 cricket, their players are increasingly gaining experience in longer formats. The likes of Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz have shown glimpses of their ability to anchor innings. With more exposure to red-ball cricket, they can develop the patience required to excel in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Tests.
3. Improved Pace-Bowling Department
Historically reliant on spinners, Afghanistan is now producing fast bowlers capable of competing at the highest level. Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Azmatullah Omarzai bring variety and aggression to the attack. Their ability to swing the ball and execute yorkers effectively gives Afghanistan the balance needed to succeed in different conditions.
Key Areas for Improvement
1. The Need for Patience in Batting
Dale Steyn rightly pointed out Afghanistan’s tendency to play aggressively without building their innings. While power-hitting is their strength, tournament success often hinges on partnerships and situational awareness. Afghanistan’s batting lineup must develop the discipline to rotate strike, consolidate during middle overs, and take matches deep rather than relying on quickfire starts.
2. Consistency in Top-Order Performance
Afghanistan’s openers have delivered match-winning performances, but they lack consistency. Rahmanullah Gurbaz had an underwhelming Champions Trophy, and Sediqullah Atal failed to convert a promising start against Australia. The top three must set a solid foundation in crucial games to avoid mid-innings collapses.
3. Mastering the Art of Tournament Cricket
Despite their rise in world cricket, Afghanistan has struggled to start ICC tournaments strongly. A poor opening match can put them on the back foot, as seen in the Champions Trophy 2025. Developing a strong tournament mindset, similar to Australia and India, will be key in overcoming this challenge.
4. More Exposure to Longer Formats
As Steyn emphasized, Afghanistan’s players must participate in first-class and county cricket to refine their technique. T20 leagues have provided valuable experience, but playing four-day and List-A matches will instill patience and adaptability, essential for ICC tournament success.
Strategic Roadmap for Afghanistan’s Future
Afghanistan’s path to ICC success requires a structured approach that addresses their strengths and weaknesses:
- Strengthen Batting Patience
- Rotate strike more effectively
- Avoid reckless shot selection
- Develop Consistency in the Top Order
- Openers must convert starts into big scores
- Middle-order batsmen need to provide stability
- Master Tournament Mindset
- Start tournaments strongly to avoid early setbacks
- Improve performance in knockout-stage matches
- Increase Exposure to Longer Formats
- Encourage players to participate in first-class cricket
- Gain experience in county and domestic multi-day matches
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Conclusion: A Decade of Possibilities
Afghanistan is on the brink of cricketing greatness. With a world-class bowling attack, a rapidly evolving batting lineup, and the right strategic changes, they can realistically target an ICC trophy within the next decade. By cultivating patience, improving their tournament approach, and gaining more exposure to longer formats, Afghanistan can transform their potential into championship-winning performances. If they adapt and evolve, cricket fans worldwide might soon witness Afghanistan lifting an ICC trophy—a moment that would mark one of the greatest achievements in the sport’s history.
