Afghanistan’s IPL export Mohammad Nabi, who is currently playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), said in a recent interview that the national cricket team is ready to play Test cricket.

He also believes that cricket can be the binding force for peace in Afghanistan given its popularity as the number one sport.

“Conditions were very difficult when we started playing. But they are a lot better now. There are very good facilities in some centres like Kabul, Kandahar, and Jalalabad. The future really looks bright,” Nabi told the Hindu newspaper.

“A lot of youngsters are taking up the game in a big way. There is plenty of talent and this is a good augury for the sport and for the country too,” he said.

“Afghanistan is ready for Test cricket especially after beating Zimbabwe at home and away. You can’t do that unless you play quality cricket,” he said.

Rashid Khan Arman and Nabi are the first Afghans to play in the year’s IPL. In his debut for SRH last week, Rashid stood out, taking two wickets for his IPL team. SRH went on to beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by 35 runs. Nabi however watched the match from the bench.

Following this match, Nabi told reporters: “We here to prove that there is talent in Afghanistan. Rashid’s performance was important. It is a good start.”

He did tell Hindustan Times after the match that Rashid had been “nervous, the stadium was packed and there were such big names around.”

Both player meanwhile stood out during recent matches against Ireland in Noida in India but Nabi is excited to be part of this year’s IPL.

“It is a fact that when my name came up for auction, I was nervous as some of the big names went unsold by then. But once Rashid and I were picked by SRH, we were delighted. It is a dream to play in the IPL,” said Nabi.

Nabi said for the two to be playing in the IPL meant a lot for Afghanistan.

“The fan following is clearly growing,” he added.

“I know it is very tough to get into the playing XI for SRH given the very good bench strength. But, whenever I get the chance, I am ready to prove myself,” Nabi said.

“We don’t feel the pressure of being the only Afghan cricketer in action. Good performances by us can help the sport in a big way and I wish many more from my country play in the next editions,” he said.

“And I am eagerly awaiting to meet Muttiah Muralitharan (SRH mentor) to pick up a few tricks in the art of off-spin,” he added.

Before this, Nabi’s head coach in the national cricket team Lalchand Rajput believes the gradually-improving team from the war-torn nation will be ready to play Tests in another two-three years.

Spin sensation Rashid and Nabi were picked up by SRH in the IPL auction in February, a first for Afghanistan cricket, Rajput said: “These two guys playing in IPL is not just huge for them but for the entire country. It is hugely motivating for their national teammates as well.”

He told the Hindustan Times that “both are world-class players who will learn a lot by sharing the dressing room with some of the biggest names in world cricket. Going forward, I think the number will only grow (Afghans in IPL).”

Afghanistan has come a long way since making their World T20 debut in 2010, having qualified for the last 50-over World Cup in Australia and recently beat Ireland across the three formats ODIs, T20 Internationals, First-Class in a series played at their adopted home ground in Greater Noida in India.

Rajput, who was manager of the Indian team when it won the inaugural World T20 in 2007, has been Afghanistan’s head coach since June last year and considers the job his toughest challenge yet, the Hindustan Times reported.

“That is exactly the reason why I took it up. It is a life-changing experience for me as well, to work with guys who have risen after a lot of struggle and are committed to improve with every game,” Rajput said.

“After taking over I realized that I had to work a lot on the mind and fitness aspect. The batsmen were always on fifth gear and used to throw their wicket away after getting a good start. They don’t do that anymore. They value their wicket a lot more now. Fitness wise also the boys have improved a lot and that is showing in their game,” he said.

He told the Hindustan Times that he has high hopes from the team and has no hesitation in calling some of the players world-class including the IPL debutants.

“I feel Rashid is one of the best spinners in the world at the moment. He is always accurate, bowls a great googly and knows how to vary his line and length. The young boy has a bright future ahead of him. Nabi is another one who can fit into any international side along with top-order batsman Rahmat Shah,” he said.