Dharamshala, June 12
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi on Friday described India as the “toughest side in the world” ahead of the India-Afghanistan clash in Dharamshala, saying the fixture would provide his team with an opportunity to assess both its strengths and shortcomings at the beginning of its 2027 World Cup campaign.
Addressing a pre-match press conference before the encounter in Dharamshala, Shahidi recalled Afghanistan’s experience of playing at the venue during the 2023 World Cup against Bangladesh. He said the conditions in India generally assist spin bowlers and were expected to benefit Afghanistan’s spin attack as well.
“India is an extremely difficult team. Starting our World Cup 2027 campaign against them will help us understand our weaknesses and strengths,” Shahidi said.
He noted that India had reached the final of the previous World Cup and said the upcoming matches would also give Afghanistan an opportunity to improve its international rankings.
“We will continue focusing on playing quality cricket. We will make every effort to challenge India so that spectators can witness a competitive and entertaining contest,” he said.
Shahidi added that the Afghan side would take the field with confidence and the intention to win matches.
Speaking about the team combination, the Afghan captain said there had not been many changes to the ODI squad. He mentioned that newcomer Dermesh Rasouli had joined the team but had to return home following his father’s death.
“We hope he will rejoin the squad soon,” Shahidi said.
Praising the Indian side, Shahidi said all Indian players were highly influential and that Afghanistan would accept the challenge with the aim of securing victory.
He also described India as Afghanistan’s “second home”, adding that Dharamshala’s conditions were very similar to those in Afghanistan.
“Playing here feels like playing at home,” he said.
