Afghanistan’s Shahid Afridi, promoting cricket as a weapon of peace in the US

Mohebullah Archiwal, popularly known as Afghanistan’s Shahid Afridi, is promoting cricket as a weapon of peace. Mohebullah Archiwal worked as a translator in the US Army and is currently working in the International Rescue Committee. Archi is working hard to spread the game of cricket in a country that is still recovering from the scars of war. However, he is battling many odds, including the presence of the Taliban and the dangers of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED)

The land which is under constant threat of terrorism, cricket is a luxury to the civilians. However, little did that affect the boy who had to face the wrath of a Taliban patrolling officer simply because he was listening to an India vs Pakistan match during the 1996 World Cup. Despite threats, lack of equipment and the fear of getting blown up, the gentleman’s game prevailed at the Marawara village in Kunar province where Archie hails from.

Archiwal visits churches and schools to spread the word on cricket

Starting from rudimentary objects that looked like a bat and tapes wrapped around to form a ball, all Archie ever wanted was to play and promote cricket in the terror-hit nation. He was even called for a selection to represent his nation where the selectors had asked him for money in exchange. However, a prompt denial implied that he was left out of the team

The die-hard Afghanistan cricket-lover currently lives in Kansas and works in the International Rescue Committee during the day and goes to schools, churches, and the nearby localities to spread the word on cricket. He is accompanied by Edward Fox, his friend owns a small cricket field. The brute reality, however, still makes him save up money and send it back to Marawara where he wants to build a cricket ground. He hardly keeps in touch with his family back home but he just wants them to embrace the gentleman’s game and live happily.