Muttaqi tells national cricket team they are role models for all Afghans

KABUL (Agencies): Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Amir Khan Muttaqi said in a meeting with the national cricket team on Tuesday that they stand as role models for the nation. “When you win on the cricket field, an engineer thinks about winning in his profession, a doctor thinks about winning in his profession, a teacher thinks that in his profession, he will present qualified individuals so that the country can develop in all areas,” Muttaqi said. He stated that the Afghan team managed to be among the best teams in the world under difficult conditions. “It is a source of happiness that every section praises you. No one opposes you. It is hoped that you will also remain committed to national and Islamic interests… Religion does not conflict with sports. With your religiosity, hundreds of thousands of young people will acquire religiosity,” Muttaqi said. He wished the team success in the upcoming series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, in the Asia Cup and the World Cup. In the meeting, Mirwais Ashraf, acting chairman of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, said that since he secured the post, there has been no interference from the government in the appointments in the board and selection of players. “We have said at the international level that the cricket board is independent and there is no political interference in it,” Ashraf said.