Indian government plan to make a documentary film on Rashid and Mohammad Nabi

In an attempt to showcase the popularity of cricket in a war-hit country like Afghanistan, the Ministry of External Affairs has decided to propose film producers to make a short documentary film on the two most popular cricketers of the country, teenage leg-spinner Rashid Khan and all-rounder Mohammad Nabi who are currently busy with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the ongoing Indian Premier League.

The ministry wants the movie to be made in English in 3 different formats. While the full version is proposed to be of 10 minutes, the shorter version will be of 5 minutes length. Apart from this, there will be a 2-minute promo ahead of the release of the documentary. Officials conceded that the movie will attract domestic and international audiences and it will reveal the cricketing journeys of Rashid and Nabi.

It has been an amazing journey for both of them as they have got the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the very best in the world. While Nabi was purchased by Hyderabad at his base price of Rs. 30 lakhs, Rashid was brought at a whopping price of Rs. 4.2 crores. While Nabi has only played a solitary match so far, Rashid has been in the thick of things and has already bagged 10 wickets in the tournament and is in the race for the purple cap.

“The treatment and storyline should be fast paced, engaging to watch, cohesive and creatively presented. Narration or an anchor-driven approach may be chosen without long monologues,” an official was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

“It should also showcase the journey of these cricketers from the streets of Afghanistan to the international platform with their excellent performance. This film will be shot during IPL… video clips from cricket matches and interviews of various cricketers, and the two players and their families will be included in this film,” the official further added.

Sources said the government want to showcase the “Afghanistan talent” and “good neighbour” story from Afghanistan.

“We want to showcase Afghan talent during the IPL season…It means a lot for Afghanistan and India’s relationship,” said the official.

“The subtle message is to Pakistan…that Pakistan exports terrorism, and that is the reason their players have not been allowed to play in Indian domestic cricket. Whereas Afghanistan, which has suffered terrorism, has exported talented players, and the Indian people and the government are welcoming their participation,” an official said.

“They are Afghanistan’s young brand ambassadors… when people think of Afghans, they don’t just think of Taliban and terrorism, they should think of good cricketers like Rashid and Nabi. And India is helping us create that brand image,” quipped an Afghan diplomat.