ODI World Cup 2023: Afghanistan team distributes tickets to fans for their matches in noble gesture

Afghanistan is one of the fastest-improving cricketing nations in recent times. In a very short period, they have managed to stand toe-to-toe with some of the best sides in the world, albeit on a few occasions. While the results have not always gone their way against the more fancied opponents, something consistent for the 'Blue Tigers' has been the unwavering support from their fans.

As Afghanistan does not play in their own country, the fans make it a point to travel with the team, wherever they play. The Afghanistan players are also reciprocating the love as one of their officials stated that they are giving away their quota of tickets to the fans during the matches in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023. The official also mentioned that this tradition has been carried out by Afghanistan teams in the past as well.

"The tradition has been there for some time. We have given tickets to the fans in Dubai. We did the same when Afghanistan featured in the 2023 Asia Cup co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The trend continues in the World Cup as well," the team official told The New Indian Express.

"The players normally request me for tickets. We usually get three to five tickets per player/official. Once I provide them with their quota, players put their tickets together for fans. On receiving a request from fans, we keep these tickets in an envelope and leave it at the reception of the team hotel. The fans then collect it from there," he added.

Tough challenge awaits Afghanistan in their next World Cup fixture

Hashmatullah Shahidi's men have not had the best of starts to their ODI World Cup 2023 campaign. They faced Bangladesh in their first match of the 10-team competition and suffered a six-wicket defeat. In their second game, Afghanistan were comprehensively beaten by two-time champions India.

The Asian side will now face the defending champions, England, in their next game on Sunday, October 15, in Delhi. Currently, Afghanistan are languishing at the bottom of the points table with a net run rate (NRR) of -1.907.