KABUL - I wish to congratulate Afghanistan’s cricket team for securing a place in the 2015 World Cup – for the first time ever – following a victory against Kenya in a qualifying match today.

As was the national soccer team’s recent South Asian Football Federation Championship trophy, this cricket win is much more than just a sporting achievement.

It is another powerful symbol of Afghanistan’s return to normal times and acknowledgement on the international stage.

I wish the team the very best in its future matches.