Adam Hollioake on why he wants to stay in Afghanistan after bomb blast

The bomb blast near the Kabul International Cricket Stadium during a Twenty20 match in the Afghanistan’s Shpageeza Cricket League took everyone by surprise. Questions raised over the participation of the overseas players with the country boards calling back their players from the tournament but Adam Hollioake, the Boost Defenders coach and the former England player decided to stay back.

The blast occurred during the game between Boost Defenders and Mis Ainak Knights last week when Hollioake was in the changing room who says that he could feel the vibrations go through his body. Even though the 46-year-old had a chance to return to England, he decided to stay until the end taking the all factors of his safety into consideration.

“I wanted to make an educated decision. I needed to take all the information into account. I did that and the decision I made to stay was based on the fact that I was going to be safe,” said Adam Hollioake. “I wanted to stay until the job was done, I don’t like walking out on anything. This isn’t a Hollywood movie, this is their everyday life. I wanted to give those people the respect that they are due and that they have afforded me and not make an emotional decision.” Hollioake was quoted saying to BBC Sport.

Three stage security outside the ground

Hollioake described the suicidal blast which occurred at first of the three-stage security away from the ground. He praised the efforts of the security guards and also held the families of those who had lost their lives in his thoughts.

“The protocol is that we have three stages of security. They have to get through the first stage, which this probably was, about 100m from the ground; then there is the second stage, which is about 50m from the ground, and the final stage is about 15-20m from the ground. The gentleman was caught at the first checkpoint and, on being caught, he detonated his device and, unfortunately, several of our security and some members of the public were killed.” The former England cricketer said.

Passionate fans of Cricket in Afghanistan

The love and passion of the Afghan people towards the sport amused Hollioake given the conditions around them. He also says that the reception he got in Afghanistan will be the standout thing for him on this tour.