NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised the Indian cricket team and Afghanistan for their exemplary performance during the historic one-off Test played on June 14 in Bengaluru.
Addressing the nation in the 45th episode of his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio programme, Modi said, "Just a few days ago, a historic one-off Test match took place in Bengaluru between India and Afghanistan.
It was Afghanistan's first international match and it's a matter of honour for us that this historic match was played with India.
" Modi said, Both teams performed par excellence.
Besides, bowler Rashid Khan had performed exceedingly well in the IPL earlier this year.
"I remember Afghanistan President Shriman Ashraf Ghani's words on Twitter tagging me along "The people of Afghanistan are extremely, proud of our hero Rashid Khan.
I'm also thankful to our Indian friends who created a platform for our players to showcase their skills".
Rashid represents what constitutes the best of Afghanistan.
He is an asset to the world of cricket.
Then he quipped "No, we are not giving him to anyone!" This match will remain etched in our memories for a long time.
"Anyway, being the first match, it is naturally memorable, but I will cherish it for a special reason.
The Indian team did something that is exemplary to the whole world.
What does a winning team do while receiving the trophy? The Indian team, while receiving the trophy, warmly invited the Afghanistan team which had played its first international match to pose together for photographs.
" "This incident exemplifies the very spirit of sportsmanship.
Sports is an excellent route to unite society and to showcase the talents & skills of our youth.
I felicitate both the teams of India & Afghanistan.
I sincerely hope, that in future too, we'll play with each other with the best sportsman spirit & shine together," Modi said.