Few countries have been wounded by war as Afghanistan over the past four decades. An entire generation has grown up amidst truck bombings and suicide attacks, coffins and bodybags, violence at its messiest worst. In this chaotic backdrop, cricket has often been a rare and unlikely source of cheer and succor for millions of Afghans home and away

Few countries have been wounded by war as Afghanistan over the past four decades. An entire generation has grown up amidst truck bombings and suicide attacks, coffins and bodybags, violence at its messiest worst. In this chaotic backdrop, cricket has often been a rare and unlikely source of cheer and succor for millions of Afghans home and away.

On Thursday, as the strife-torn nation gained ICC's full membership and became eligible to play Tests, every cricket lover from Kabul to Jalalabad is likely to be in rapture. But Afghan refugees in India, many of them passionate cricket fans, would have an extra reason to be elated. The Test matches are likely to be played in Shaheed Vijay Singh Sports Complex in Greater Noida, Afghanistan's official home ground.

In recent years, Afghan cricket has been closely followed by many neutral lovers of the game: partly in curiosity, partly in wonderment. The Afghan cricketers have brought something raw and untamed to the sport. They have also been among the game's fastest learners. The Afghanistan Cricket Board was formed in 1995 and the country became an affiliate member of the ICC in 2001. Who would have thought that they would have gained ICC's full membership and Test status within 16 years?

In recent times, Afghanistan have become the best among the minnows of world cricket. Even against Zimbabwe, a Test playing nation, they have an 11-8 ODI record.Against Bangladesh, they are 2-3.Earlier this month, captain Asghar Stanikzai's men shocked the West Indies at home carving out a handsome 63 run victory at St Lucia.

Leg spinner Rashid Khan produced one of the most eye-popping spells in the history of ODIs: seven for 18. At least, Khan can waltz into India's Test team.

There is a reason why Sunrisers Hyderabad paid Rs 4 crore for him; he went on to become the sixth highest wicket taker in IPL 10.