IND vs AFG: Afghanistan Hosts Team India for Special Koh-e-Zafar Dinner

In a heartwarming gesture that transcends the competitive spirit on the cricket field, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) organized a special dinner for the Indian cricket team and top officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), while this significant event took place just before the third and final T20 International match of the ongoing series. The gathering wasn't merely a social dinner but a celebration of the deep-rooted and enduring cricketing relationship between India and Afghanistan. The event was attended by prominent players from both nations along with high-ranking officials, making it a prestigious occasion for the cricketing fraternity of both countries.

The Significance of Koh-e-Zafar

The Afghanistan Cricket Board named this special event Koh-e-Zafar, a term that translates to the Peak of Success, while this title was chosen to symbolize the heights that the cricketing bond between the two nations has reached over the years. During the event, the atmosphere was filled with camaraderie as players from both sides were seen interacting closely. A highlight of the evening was the photo session where players from India and Afghanistan posed together with the T20 series trophy, signifying mutual respect and the shared joy of the sport. The Koh-e-Zafar event served as a platform to honor the journey of both teams and the support they've extended to each other in the international arena.

Celebrating a Strong Cricketing Bond

The primary objective behind inviting Team India for this dinner was to celebrate the strong cricketing ties that exist between India and Afghanistan. The relationship between the BCCI and the ACB has been one of long-standing friendship and cooperation. India has played a pivotal role in the development of Afghanistan cricket, providing them with home grounds and various facilities over the years. This dinner was a way for the Afghanistan Cricket Board to express their gratitude and to further strengthen this partnership, while the presence of top BCCI officials alongside ACB leadership underscored the institutional strength of this relationship, moving beyond just the players on the field.

Honors and Mementos for Team India

As part of the Koh-e-Zafar celebrations, the Afghanistan Cricket Board took the opportunity to officially honor the Indian players and the visiting BCCI officials. In a formal ceremony during the dinner, mementos were presented to the members of the Indian contingent. These tokens of appreciation were given to recognize the contribution of Indian cricket to the global game and specifically its support towards Afghanistan. The exchange of gifts and honors added a formal yet warm touch to the evening, reinforcing the message of friendship that the event aimed to convey.

Insights from Ishan Kishan and Mohammad Nabi

The event also featured moments where players shared their personal experiences and thoughts on their cricketing journeys. Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan spoke highly of the Afghan players, noting that his admiration goes beyond their obvious talent on the field. Kishan described the Afghanistan players as exceptional human beings, highlighting the personal bonds that have formed through various interactions in international cricket and leagues. On the other hand, veteran Afghan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi expressed his deep affection for playing in India. Nabi described India as a fantastic place for cricket and mentioned that he always enjoys his time playing in the country. He specifically credited the Indian Premier League (IPL) for playing a crucial role in refining his skills and improving his game, acknowledging the impact of Indian cricket infrastructure on his professional growth.

Focus Shifts to the Final T20I in Delhi

While the friendship dinner was a moment of relaxation and celebration, the competitive focus remains on the upcoming third T20I. India currently holds a 2-0 lead in the 3-match series, having performed dominantly in the previous encounters. The final match is scheduled to be played in Delhi, where Team India will be looking to complete a clean sweep. Despite the warmth shared during the Koh-e-Zafar event, the Indian team remains determined to win the Friendship Cup with a 3-0 margin. The dinner has set a positive tone for the final leg of the tour, showcasing that while the battle on the pitch is intense, the respect off it remains paramount.

#WATCH | Delhi | Indian and Afghan cricket teams pose with the 2026 Friendship Cup at the Koh-E-Zafar (Mountain of Triumph) event

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) hosted Koh-E-Zafar (Mountain of Triumph) - a special event bringing together officials from the Afghanistan… pic.twitter.com/SJSPdnFadG

— ANI (@ANI) September 16, 2026

𝐀𝐍 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄! 🤝

The Afghanistan Cricket Board hosted the Indian Cricket Team for a special dinner this evening, which was also attended by the #AfghanAtalan, senior leadership from the ACB and the BCCI. 🤩

As a… pic.twitter.com/clJaHhz79X

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 16, 2026