Afghan nationals in India hail their cricket team after 2015 WC qualification

Afghan citizens residing in India are delighted over their nation's cricket team qualifying for the 2015 ICC World Cup.

The Afghanistan team earned this spot by finishing second in the qualifying World Cricket League Championship.

The Afghan fans celebrated in Panaji to express their pleasure.

"We were extremely happy that our country's cricket team qualified or the 2015 World Cup and celebration was held around the country and even we celebrated here last night in Goa, India," said Faizal Tamin, an Afghan national in Panaji.

The war-torn country beat Kenya by seven wickets at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium to join Ireland as the second associate team in the February 14-March 29 tournament.

Indeed, it was a dream come true for the Afghanis living in India.

"It was kind of feeling; we can't believe because our country has qualified for the first time for 2015 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by New Zealand and Australia," said another Afghanistan national Sikandar Atif.

Afghanistan will be grouped in Pool A with Australia, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and another qualifier.

The Afghan fans urged neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, India and Pakistan to play some matches against their team to prepare for the tournament.

"So I request ICC (International Cricket Council), they should arrange some cricket matches with top ten cricket or even this responsibility (lies with) cricket board of Asia," added Tamin.

India won the last 50-over World Cup at home in 2011.