The Asia Cup 2025 will bring with it a special first for Afghanistan. When the tournament begins on September 9 in Abu Dhabi, Afghan fans will not only see their team in action but also hear one of their own calling the game from the commentary box.
For the first time in a major multilateral event, an Afghan voice will join the global broadcast. Ahmad Farhad Fidai, a 42-year-old medical graduate from Kabul University who now lives in the US, has been handed the mic for the continental championship.
A Historic First for Afghanistan
“It will be an honour,” Farhad said with a smile. “I have done commentary for Afghanistan’s bilateral matches, but this will be my first time in a big championship like the Asia Cup. I am excited to share the mic with legends like Sunil Gavaskar.”
Farhad is no stranger to the job — he has been a near-regular voice in Afghanistan’s bilateral series for the past four years. His name was recommended by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), which then passed it on to the broadcasters.
Until now, Afghanistan’s matches in major tournaments were called mostly by non-locals, often Pakistanis. Farhad believes that has always left a gap.
“Cricket is an emotion in Afghanistan, and only Afghans can truly capture that. For us, it is more than sport — it is our happiness, our hope,” he said.
Passion Beyond Boundaries
Farhad’s anecdotes underline just how deeply cricket is woven into Afghan life. He recalls an incident from Kabul’s Shpageeza League when a fan broke security just to hug Rashid Khan. “The guard stopped him, and the fan said, ‘You may kill me, but you cannot stop me from hugging Rashid.’ That’s how much people love their heroes.”
He adds that Afghanistan’s players are not just a team — they are a family. He points to Rashid Khan’s commitment despite personal tragedy and Nabi’s long journey from Division 5 to beating almost every Test nation except India. “These players don’t just play for the country; they play for one another,” he reflects.
Looking Ahead to the Asia Cup
Afghanistan begin their campaign against Hong Kong on September 9 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, the tournament opener. Farhad is confident of his team’s chances.
“I believe Afghanistan will reach the Super Four stage. And after that… who knows? It would be a fitting gift to a nation reeling from a devastating earthquake. This team can bring smiles back to the faces of our people.”
More Than Just Commentary
Farhad’s debut is not just a milestone for him but a symbolic moment for Afghanistan cricket. For the first time, the Afghan story will be told by an Afghan voice, capturing the raw emotions, the cultural pride, and the unbreakable bond between a team and its people.
As the Asia Cup kicks off, Afghan fans will not only roar for their team but also take pride in hearing their own voice echo across the cricketing world.
