In a significant move, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has enlisted the expertise of former Indian cricket captain Ajay Jadeja to serve as the mentor for the Afghanistan National Cricket Team in preparation for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. The tournament is scheduled to be hosted in India from October 5 to November 19. Ajay Jadeja, renowned for his illustrious cricketing career, brings a wealth of experience to this crucial role, emphasizing the team’s determination to perform at their best.
Ajay Jadeja, a former Indian captain and middle-order batsman, boasts an impressive cricketing history. His international career includes 15 Test matches for India from 1992 to 2000, during which he accumulated 576 runs at an average of 26.18, featuring four half-centuries and a highest score of 96. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Jadeja made a significant impact, representing India in 196 matches and amassing 5359 runs with an outstanding average of 37.47, including six centuries and 30 half-centuries in the limited-overs format.
Jadeja’s contributions extend beyond international cricket, as he has been an integral part of 111 First-Class matches and 291 List A games, showcasing his versatility and proficiency across various formats of the game. In both First-Class and List A cricket, Jadeja has consistently delivered, accumulating over 8000 runs in each format. His remarkable tally includes an impressive 31 centuries and 88 half-centuries, highlighting his prowess as a prolific run-scorer.
Ajay Jadeja’s appointment as the mentor for the Afghanistan National Cricket Team in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 underscores the trust and high expectations placed upon him by the team’s management. His extensive experience, both as a player and a coach, makes him a valuable addition to the Afghan cricket setup.
Jadeja’s mentoring role commenced in Guwahati, where Afghanistan was scheduled to play their second and final World Cup warm-up match against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, October 3. His presence at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium demonstrated his commitment to enhancing the team’s preparations for the prestigious event.
The Afghanistan cricket team, known for its emerging talent and competitive spirit, is poised to make a significant impact in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. With their first match scheduled against Bangladesh on October 7 in Dharamshala, the team is eager to capitalize on Jadeja’s mentorship and overcome challenges to achieve success in this prestigious tournament.