Celebrations in Kabul after Afghanistan’s cricket victory over Pakistan. In Kabul, people celebrated their surprising eight-wicket victory in the Cricket World Cup against Pakistan with fireworks and joyful gunfire. This was a rare moment of public happiness since the Taliban took control two years ago. Hundreds of fans took to the streets, causing heavy traffic, and even traffic wardens struggled to manage the chaos.
Celebrations in Kabul after Afghanistan’s cricket victory over Pakistan
Passengers excitedly hung out of car doors, and pedestrians danced and played music despite the Taliban’s ban on such activities. Afghanistan and Pakistan have had a difficult relationship since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, with Pakistan accusing Kabul of not doing enough to control armed groups planning attacks on its soil. Although cricket has a long history in Afghanistan, most of the country’s top players learned the game while living in refugee camps in Pakistan.