Before the start of the historic test match at Bengaluru, a special presentation was held where India’s sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore read out PM Modi’s special message for Afghanistan in their debut test match.
“Its a matter of great pride and immense pleasure that Afghanistan has chosen to play its maiden Test match with India. The young and talented Afghan National Team has made a great stride in a very short period of time after it become an affiliate member of the International Cricket Council in 2001,” Modi said in a message read out by sports minister Rajyavardhan Rathore at Chinnaswamy stadium today.
“It achieved the Test playing status last year. During that journey it has consistently performed against other ICC members and Test playing nations recording milestone victories over them in various formats of the game.
Afghanistan is a terror hit country which forces their national team to shift their base to India. PM congratulated the Afghan team for their fabulous achievements that they have achieved despite opposing situations.
“These achievements have come about in challenging and difficult circumstances. This demonstrates the indomitable Afghan spirit to overcome all challenges and realise aspirations for a purposeful, stable, united and peaceful nation.”
“Today cricket is unifying force for the people of Afghanistan, India takes pride in being shoulder-to-shoulder with Afghanistan in this journey.
“It is an honour for Indian to host the Afghanistan National team at home grounds in Greater Noida and Dehradun. The people of India have shared the joys of millions of Afghans and the success of the players in tournament in India and elsewhere.
“I congratulate the Board of Cricket Control in India and the Afghanistan Cricket Board for organising this historic Test match . I convey my best wishes to both the teams, I’m sure the game will score a win for the renown Afghan fortitude and for the historic friendship between Indian and Afghanistan.”
