Why Indians love the Afghanistan cricket team

During the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, Indian fans have been notably enthusiastic in supporting teams, along with their unwavering support for India. Notably, Afghanistan stands out as one of the teams that has garnered attention for this unexpected backing.

What

• Throughout this year's ICC ODI World Cup, the passionate Indian home crowd has consistently rallied behind teams, extending their support beyond just the Indian team.
• Afghanistan, in particular, is one of those teams that have relished this tremendous support, surprising cricket enthusiasts and prompting questions about the source of this backing.

• Cricket enthusiasts were taken aback by the overwhelming support that Afghanistan received from Indian spectators in recent matches, prompting questions about the source of this backing.

• Afghanistan's performance in this World Cup has been a delightful surprise, increasing their odds of reaching their inaugural semi-finals. 
• Their remarkable display has garnered recognition from the global cricket community, including Indian fans.

India's Support for Afghanistan: Country relations

Pre-Taliban 2021 takeover

• India and Afghanistan, neighboring countries with shared cultural connections, have a significant diplomatic history. In the 1980s, India recognized the Soviet-backed Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, although relations experienced a setback during the 1990s civil war and the subsequent Taliban rule.
• During the US Operation in Afghanistan in 2001, India provided intelligence support to Coalition forces. Following the fall of the Taliban, India established strong ties with the new democratic government, offering substantial aid for the country's reconstruction and development.
• India remains a major regional donor, extending millions in humanitarian and economic aid to Afghanistan. Notably, the Indian government constructed the Afghan-India Friendship Dam (AIFD), also known as the Salma Dam, an infrastructure project aimed at generating electricity and providing irrigation water, located on the Hari River in the Herat Province of western Afghanistan.
• Furthermore, as part of India's contribution to Afghanistan's reconstruction, the Indian government sponsored the construction of the Afghanistan National Assembly building, which was opened in 2015.

Post-Taliban takeover

• In 2021, when the Taliban took over Afghanistan, it presented new security challenges for India, particularly the heightened risk of terrorism emanating from a Taliban-led Afghanistan.

• Initially, India responded by closing its Kabul embassy, conducting a rescue mission, and providing aid. Additionally, they dispatched a "technical team" to engage with the Taliban.

• Despite the evolving situation, India has maintained its commitment to providing humanitarian assistance, including medical and food aid, in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis and UN appeals.

Cricket relations 

• Regarding cricket relations, one significant factor contributing to the substantial support from the Indian crowd for the Afghanistan cricket team is the emergence of a newfound rivalry between Afghanistan and one of India's arch-rivals, Pakistan.

• Afghanistan’s impressive 2023 ODI World Cup campaign has affected Pakistan semi-final hopes considerably, which directly explains the vocal support they have been getting from the Indian fans. 

• Afghanistan are a strong contender to book their places in the last remaining semi-final spot and they will be fighting against Pakistan for it.