Windfall for Afghanistan cricketers after qualifying success

Afghanistan became the second country after the West Indies to qualify for the 2019 World Cup.

Afghanistan beat Ireland by five wickets to book the last berth for 2019 World Cup.

As the Afghanistan cricketers scripted history on Friday, by making it to next year's World Cup, the entire country celebrated the team's success.

Even as the cricket enthusiasts hit the streets to bask in the glory, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani took to Twitter to congratulate the young side, which is set to play its second World Cup.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) too has announced cash rewards for each player and the support staff.

"We have decided to awards $10,000 to each member of the team. It is a big thing for the country," Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) chairman, Atif Mashal, told Sportstar on Saturday.

Read: Afghanistan’s ‘vibe’ was perfect, says batting coach

The ACB chief also appreciated the way team skipper Asghar Stanikzai returned to action, three weeks after undergoing a surgery, and guided the team to victory. "I appreciate our captain's courage and patriotism. It is amazing by the way he came back and led from the front just three weeks after the operation. That was really something," Mashal said.

With the World Cup scheduled for next year in England, the Board's chairman admitted that the team would start working hard right after returning from Zimbabwe. "We will soon start the preparation for the World Cup," Mashal said.

The Board is also planning a special welcome ceremony for the team once it reaches Kabul. After all the hard work, Afghan cricketers would be happy to get rewarded.