Afghanistan cricket team in high spirits after resuming training

According to the head of the cricket board, the Afghan national cricket team was "energetic" after returning to training in the capital this week, just days after the Taliban took control of the country.

Following the government's fall over the weekend, Hamid Shinwari stated that the team was again preparing for its one-day series against Pakistan, which is set to begin in two weeks in Sri Lanka.

This week, chaos has erupted at Kabul airport as tens of thousands of Afghans attempt to flee the Taliban. They have surged through the nation, mostly unchecked by government security forces.

During the Islamic fundamentalist group's first rule of the country in the 1990s, the sport was strictly regulated, as it was seen as a diversion from pastoral responsibilities by the militants.

Women were not allowed to participate in any way.

Shinwari, on the other hand, believes the movement poses no threat to cricket.

Shinwari said he couldn't comment on the state of women's cricket at the moment but said the issue would become more evident in the following weeks.

Rashid Khan, a star spin bowler and T20 skipper, and all-rounder Mohammad Nabi compete in England's The Hundred tournament. Before the Taliban's takeover, both made pleas for peace in their own countries.

The majority of other national players, though, are in Afghanistan.

Early this week, Sri Lanka's cricket board indicated that it was still hopeful of hosting Afghanistan and Pakistan for the three matches in Hambantota's empty stadium.

On September 3, the one-day international series will begin.

It was moved to Sri Lanka because venues in the United Arab Emirates, where Afghanistan's home matches are held, were prepared to host the Indian Premier League instead.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has also announced the start of a Twenty20 competition in Kabul, which will begin on September 10.