Mumbai's Patwal undeterred by bomb blast outside Afghan stadium

Umesh Patwal

As the whole world watched 'cricket's successful return' to Pakistan a few days ago, in their neighbouring country, Afghanistan, a suicide bombing incident was reported with a clear intention to disrupt an ongoing T20 league.

The incident happened during a Shpageeza cricket tournament match between Boost Defenders and MIS Ainak Knights in Kabul on Wednesday.

Defenders is coached by former Australian star Adam Hollioake, while Knights are guided by former England cricketer Andrew Moles. The match was stopped briefly before the security team gave their clearance to resume the game.

The incident triggered panic among the foreign players and coaches participating in the tournament. However, except former South African big-hitter, Herschelle Gibbs, the coach of Speenghar Tigers, who returned home due to the incident, the rest decided to stay back.

One of them was Mumbai-based Umesh Patwal, who is the coach of the Band-e-Amir Dragons team.

"I was in the team hotel when the blast happened. My family was naturally worried about my safety, but once we were assured of our security,

I decided to stay back. Luckily, my team is now in the top four and I will be in Afghanistan till the tournament ends," Patwal told mid-day yesterday.

Patwal claimed the president of Afghanistan has assured them presidential-level security.

"After the incident, we had a meeting with the president of the country and he has guaranteed our safety and decided to provide the same level of security that he gets to the players and support staff. That was enough assurance for me to stay. Even the players wanted me to stay.

"Cricket is a very small community. We have to support each other in these times. Withdrawing from the tournament or going back home due to such incidents (terror attacks) is not a solution. Also, I had a fair idea about the country and its players when I was batting coach of the Afghanistan national team," said Patwal.