I would probably go back to Afghanistan: Morne van Wyk

South African wicketkeeper-batsman Morne van Wyk has cleared that he would travel to Afghanistan in the future if required. He was called back by Cricket South Africa (CSA) from the ongoing Shpageeza Cricket League after the suicide bomb blast outside the Kabul International Stadium. Even Herschelle Gibbs who is the coach of the franchise Speenghar Tigers returned from the league mid-way after the blast. However, few of the international players have decided to continue playing even after the adverse incident.

Van Wyk‚ who has represented South Africa in T20s and ODIs‚ was playing for Mis Ainak Knights against Boost Defenders when the bomb blasted which shook everyone including the players and commentators. Even the other South African player Cameron Delport who is part of Boost Defenders side was called back from the league along with Van Wyk.

Our NOCs were revoked by CSA

Morne van Wyk has expressed that the decision to return to the country was not in his hands and he had to leave the country once the board had revoked the No Objection Certificate (NOC).

“It is hard to say but I probably would go back in future. Our NOCs were revoked by CSA based of the situation but the tournament has gone on and at that stage it was not my decision to come back home. It is also hard for me to say whether I would have preferred to stay on because the decision was taken out of my hands for good reasons. In a sense you can completely understand CSA’s point of view because they look after our interests,” he said.

He also felt sorry for the people of Afghanistan where cricket is followed like a religion. “At the same time it is quite sad because as sports people we can carry the message of peace in times like these and it is becoming tough for boards and authorities to deal with‚ because London has probably had more attacks this year than Kabul. Hopefully, it is something that will be sorted out‚” he added.

The Proteas cricketer was also surprised to see the facilities provided at the stadium in Kabul and also expressed his grief over the tournament as it was going well before the blasts ruined the competitiveness.

“The city Kabul was brilliant‚ we stayed in a good hotel and people were hospitable. It’s sad for the locals that it turned out this way because the tournament was well supported. The stadiums were always full for all the matches and especially now towards the end because as a show of solidarity‚ the Afghan people really made an effort to support after the bomb blast‚” Van Wyk concluded.