So does Afghanistan every time…: Aakash Chopra explains Namibia’s ‘biggest hurdle’after shock win vs SL
Namibia #Namibia
Namibia caused one of the biggest upsets in cricket history by registering an incredible 55-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match of the 2022 T20 World cup at the Simonds Stadium in Geelong on Sunday (October 16). This result has put the Gerhard Erasmus-led team on the pole position to qualify for the Super 12 for the second edition of the tournament in a row but made it complicated for the Asian champions to ensure qualification.
Following the match, the cricket fraternity from across the globe has lavished praise on the association nation for their victory which has been labeled as a modern-day version of David beating Goliath. While many have hailed Namibia, ex-Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra used the occasion to bring the attention of those associated with the sport to a larger problem while revealing the biggest hurdle that awaits Namibia in coming days.
“While appreciating and applauding Namibian victory, please make a ‘note to self’ that you will champion the cause of associate nations once the World Cup gets over too. The biggest hurdle in their growth is the lack of exposure…which can’t happen till they get to play more. They’ll get to play against major Test teams if only the BIG teams become inclusive. It’s alright fans etc. celebrating their victories (upsets have their own sense of romanticism) but the onus of their growth isn’t in their own hands. Namibia impressed in the last T20 WC too,” wrote Chopra on Twitter.
Related News |
Chopra gave Afghanistan’s example to state his point and further called for big nations to play against associate countries. He also stated that even some Test playing nations are not getting to play the likes of Australia.
“So does Afghanistan every time they play. But do you ask how many T20i they played against the BIG teams since the last World Cup?? Leave aside Associate Nations for a bit…even Test teams like AFG and Bangladesh have never played a T20i in Aus. And they’re here to compete??? ,” he added.
Namibia have registered a streak of good results after beating Ireland and Netherlands in the 2021 edition. Earlier this year, they defeated Zimbabwe 3-2 in a five-match T20I series.