The article discusses the rise of cricket in Afghanistan as a major success story, despite the country's ongoing conflict and political instability. It highlights the national team's achievements, including gaining Test status and participating in World Cups, and the emergence of star players like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi. The recent takeover by the Taliban has raised concerns about the future of cricket in Afghanistan, but officials from the Afghanistan Cricket Board remain optimistic. The article also touches on the potential impact of the Taliban's stance on women's cricket and the role of the International Cricket Council and the Board of Control for Cricket in India in supporting Afghan cricket. The overall tone suggests uncertainty but also hope that cricket will continue to be a source of inspiration and unity for the Afghan people.

The administration of the Anantha Padmanabha temple in Mangaluru has been accused by Muslim vendors of discrimination as they were allegedly not allowed to set up stalls for the upcoming 'Shashti Mahotsav', a religious festival scheduled from December 14-19. The temple officials allocated stalls to vendors on Thursday, but Muslim vendors claim they have been excluded from this opportunity, which they have had in previous years. The issue has raised concerns about religious discrimination and the impact on the livelihoods of the Muslim vendors who rely on such events for income.

Mohammed Ibrahim, born in a refugee camp, has become the voice of Afghanistan cricket, narrating the World Twenty20 Cup experience in Pashto. After moving to Kabul, he worked for Shamshad TV and later joined Salam Watandar, a radio station network. His commentaries are produced by Internews, an international media development organization, and broadcast nationwide. Ibrahim's love for cricket began in his childhood, and despite the lack of facilities, he followed the sport passionately. Keith Roznowski, the program manager for Internews in Afghanistan, emphasizes the importance of radio in a country with high illiteracy rates. Ibrahim's commentary skills have been honed by listening to senior commentators and translating their words into Pashto. Despite Afghanistan's team being knocked out of the World Twenty20, Ibrahim's journey with them highlights the impact of sports and media on connecting and inspiring people.

Mohammad Nabi has been appointed as the new captain of the Afghanistan national cricket team, taking over from Nawroz Mangal. Mangal's leadership saw the team achieve ODI status and qualify for the 2010 World Twenty20, but recent defeats and his own poor performance led to the change. Despite Afghanistan's ODI wins, they have not secured a series win, prompting the Afghanistan Cricket Board and CEO Hamid Shinwari to name Nabi as the new captain. The decision was made in consultation with the technical and selection committees, coach Rashid Latif, and Nabi. Team manager Nazijar Abdul Rahimzai believes the captaincy change will not impact the team's preparation for the upcoming Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.