I am not much of a fan of too many associate nations in the World Cup, but I just finished watching a wonderful movie with the most endearing of cricket coaches and I am no longer sure that I agree with myself.
"Out of the Ashes", is about Afghanistan Cricket and Taj Malik in equal measure. Taj Malik is the first coach of the Afghanistan National Cricket team. But, I am now wondering... if there are going to be no associate nations in the 2015 World Cup what does that do to the spirit of people like Taj Malik?
Not many coaches dream about taking a nation with no cricket pitches to qualify for the World Cup. Taj Malik did. And Afghanistan almost succeeded. Afghanistan needed to finish in the top 4 in the final qualifier. Instead they finished 5th behind Ireland, Kenya, Canada and Netherlands.
Along the way they won many games and many qualifiers. In Jersey, in Tanzania and in Argentina before the final one in South Africa. They beat teams like Ireland, UAE, Scotland, Namibia, Bermuda who are or have in the past qualified for the World Cup.
Taj Malik is no longer the coach of Afghanistan's national team. In fact very early in the qualifying journey he was replaced by a professional. But without Taj Malik there would be no Afghanistan cricket. I say this with no hint of exaggeration. Its a fact.
Watch "Out of the Ashes" and see it for yourself...
