long the way the team won three tournaments to make it to South Africa and the World Cup qualifier. They were the first nation ever to rise from cricket’s lowest league to this level. That a nation riven by war, marred by corruption and fractured by poverty could achieve this makes the story all the more remarkable.
Out of the Ashes is the ultimate David and Goliath film. The team, with very little funding, no facilities and a lack of infrastructure, have achieved what no one else has managed.
At a time when Afghanistan is in the news for suicide bombs, drugs and rigged elections, this film shows a more human side to a country too often associated with tragedy.
We were there when the team swam in the sea for the first time, ate fish and chips, watched the samba and gate crashed an English wedding.
We were there when they faced their greatest challenge in South Africa and filmed their return to Afghanistan. Out of the Ashes is their remarkable and touching journey.
The film, a co-production between Bungalow Town and Shabash Productions, will be shown on BBC’s Storyville strand in Summer 2010.
