Hundreds of aspiring male cricketers flock to Chaman-e-Huzuri park in Kabul on Fridays, where they emulate their world cup heroes on the dusty ground.

Cricket was largely unknown in Afghanistan until the early 2000s, but the sport has since exploded when it was brought to the country from Pakistan by Afghan refugees. Since the Taliban came to power last year, uncertainty over women's cricket threatens the sport, with funding from peak bodies and participation in international competitions tied to growth of both men's and women's cricket.