Cricket has played an immense role in shaping Abdul Naser Baluch’s life, not just in sports but also in making the right choices and integrating into society. ”It helped me to keep my focus on education”, he says.
Originally from Afghanistan, Abdul Naser began playing cricket as a child, but it was upon moving to Sweden in 2015 that his passion truly ignited. ”When I arrived here, I was bored and contacted the municipality, they found a club where I played for four years,” he recalls.
His initial years were spent at Lund CC, where he started playing with the leather ball. Later, he moved on to Ariana KIF, the newly crowned T20 and last year’s T10 champions. Whether he likes T10 or T20, there is no doubt which format he prefers. ”T10 is fun, but I love T20; it presents situations resembling a real match, and there is more for me as a bowler,” Abdul Naser Baluch shares.
Cricket: A cultural phenomenon
Abdul Naser’s cricket journey is not just about on-field success. The sport has provided him with opportunities to connect with people from diverse cultures and countries, positively impacting his life.
”I made loads of friends, not just in Malmö but also in Stockholm and Göteborg. It helped me focus on my studies and nothing else,” he admits.
In July, he represented the Swedish national team and recently clinched the T20 championship with Ariana. However, his most cherished memory is the trip to Malaga, where his team played against clubs from other nations. ”It was the perfect cricket weather – warm and pleasant,” he says with a smile.
Discipline has been key to Ariana’s success
For Abdul Naser, cricket has become a way of life. One reason for his team’s success is the discipline displayed both on and off the field. ”Everyone on the team respects the time and makes the most of it. We have many talented players who contribute and help each other,” he explains.
Cricket, indeed, has woven a cultural tapestry around Abdul Naser Baluch, transforming him into a formidable player and helping him to integrate with Swedish society.
Photograph: Ariana KIF
