PM salutes indomitable spirit of Afghanistan on Test debut

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said it is a matter of pride and honour for India to host Afghanistan's maiden Test match and paid tribute to the war-ravaged country's indomitable spirit.

"Its a matter of great pride and immense pleasure that Afghanistan has chosen to play its maiden Test match with India. The young and talented Afghan National Team has made a great stride in a very short period of time after it become an affiliate member of the International Cricket Council in 2001," Modi said in a message read out by sports minister Rajyavardhan Rathore here.

"It achieved the Test playing status last year. During that journey it has consistently performed against other ICC members and Test playing nations recording milestone victories over them in various formats of the game.

"These achievements have come about in challenging and difficult circumstances. This demonstrates the indomitable Afghan spirit to overcome all challenges and realise aspirations for a purposeful, stable, united and peaceful nation."
"I congratulate the Board of Cricket Control in India and the Afghanistan Cricket Board for organising this historic Test match . I convey my best wishes to both the teams, I'm sure the game will score a win for the renown Afghan fortitude and for the historic friendship between Indian and Afghanistan."