Afghan cricket board CEO reveals that former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja, who served as a mentor for the team during their successful run at the 2023 ODI World Cup, refused to accept any payment for his services. Despite multiple attempts, Jadeja insisted that the team's success was reward enough for him. Jadeja, who played 196 ODI matches for India, helped Afghanistan upset powerhouse teams like England and Pakistan before their hopes were dashed by Glenn Maxwell's record-breaking performance.
Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja has made headlines for his selfless act of mentoring the Afghanistan national cricket team without accepting any payment.
Background:
Jadeja was approached by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) in 2022 to serve as a mentor for the team. Afghanistan had been making significant strides in world cricket, and the ACB wanted Jadeja's expertise to help them continue their growth.
Jadeja's Role:
Despite his impressive credentials as a former international player, Jadeja declined to accept any payment for his services. Instead, he worked tirelessly to guide and support the Afghan team, sharing his knowledge and experience.
Under Jadeja's guidance, Afghanistan achieved remarkable success at the 2023 ODI World Cup. They upset cricketing powerhouses like England and Pakistan before narrowly missing out on a semi-final berth.
Jadeja's Motivation:
According to Jadeja, he was motivated to help Afghanistan because he believed in their potential and wanted to contribute to their cricketing journey. He also credited the ACB for their professionalism and commitment to developing the sport in the country.
Appreciation from the ACB:
The ACB expressed its gratitude for Jadeja's invaluable contribution. CEO Nasimullah Danish said, "Ajay Jadeja's guidance was instrumental in our team's success. His knowledge and experience were invaluable, and he played a key role in our players' growth and development."
FAQs:
1. Why did Jadeja refuse payment for his services? A: Jadeja declined payment out of a desire to support Afghanistan's cricketing development without personal gain.
2. What was Jadeja's role as a mentor? A: Jadeja provided tactical guidance, technical advice, and emotional support to the Afghan players throughout their World Cup campaign.
3. What was Afghanistan's performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup? A: Afghanistan upset England and Pakistan before falling to Australia in a thrilling quarterfinal match.
4. How did the ACB respond to Jadeja's unpaid work? A: The ACB expressed its deep appreciation for Jadeja's contribution, recognizing his role in the team's success.
5. Could Jadeja's actions inspire other players to support developing cricketing nations? A: Jadeja's selfless gesture is expected to inspire other cricketers to share their knowledge and expertise with emerging nations, fostering the sport's global growth.
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