For Afghan refugees, World Cup cricket wins are a beacon of hope

Mixed feelings remain over lack of women and ethnic minority participation

20231219 afghan cricket children

Afghan children play cricket in a park in New Delhi. Cricket has become increasingly popular among young refugees since the World Cup. (Photo by Shefali Rafiq)

SAQIB MUGLOO, Contributing writer

NEW DELHI -- For 30-year-old Haseeb Siddiqui, two moments stand out as the happiest of his life. One was when his daughter was born, the other was when his home country, Afghanistan, triumphed over Pakistan in the recently concluded 2023 Cricket World Cup.

Although Afghanistan had beaten other world champions in the past, the win over archrival and neighbor Pakistan was particularly special. Afghans living around the world, including those in India like Siddiqui, celebrated on the streets and on social media.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.