In the world of sports, few figures embody the spirit of resilience and community like Zarwali Khan Hasan. Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, he has channeled his love for cricket into a mission that transcends borders. With a robust background in cricket administration, he’s dedicated to nurturing talent and creating opportunities in Afghanistan, in the USA, and internationally. In this engaging Q&A, Hasan opens up about his personal journey, the challenges he’s overcome, and his ambitious vision for the future of cricket on the global stage.
Q: Tell us about your story. What was your childhood like?
A: I was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, in 1991 and attended Habibia High School, where I completed my studies in 2009. During my time there, I developed a passion for cricket, playing it regularly with my friends after school. Upon graduation, I enrolled at Kardan University to pursue a BBA. I assumed the role of head (captain) of the Kardan cricket team, graduating in 2013. Since cricket was my cherished hobby, I later took on a position as a team coordinator with the Afghanistan Cricket Board.
Q: Why cricket? What made you choose this sport?
A: Because cricket is not just a sport in Afghanistan; it’s a unifying force that brings hope, inspiration, and a sense of national pride. I saw the potential for cricket to uplift young athletes, provide them with opportunities for personal and professional growth, and represent Afghanistan on a global stage, especially when Afghanistan cricket first qualified for the World Cup. Working in this role allowed me to contribute to the sport’s growth, foster talent, and be part of the journey that saw Afghanistan rise as a competitive cricketing nation.
Q: What’s your biggest quality?
A: One of my biggest qualities is my ability to build strong relationships and foster teamwork. In my role as a cricket coordinator at the Afghanistan Cricket Board from 2013 to 2019, I worked with a diverse range of stakeholders, including players, coaches, and management, to ensure seamless coordination and effective communication.
Q: What’s your flaw?
A: My biggest flaw is that I tend to be obsessive. I often push myself and my team to strive for the highest standards, which can sometimes lead to overextending resources or taking longer than anticipated to achieve outcomes.
Q: What do you think you bring to the team? What do people appreciate the most about your work?
A: As a team coordinator, I bring a unique blend of organizational skills, strategic planning, and a strong sense of camaraderie that fosters a positive and productive environment. My ability to streamline communication between players, coaches, and management ensures that everyone is aligned with our goals and objectives, while my attention to detail allows us to focus on both the minutiae of training and the bigger picture of competition preparation.
Q: Talk about your passion for cricket and for helping others.
A: My passion for cricket is deeply rooted in the way the sport has the power to bring people together and inspire entire communities. As someone who grew up witnessing the growth of cricket in Afghanistan, I saw how it became a source of hope and pride for the nation. This personal connection to the sport is what drove me to work as a cricket coordinator at the Afghanistan Cricket Board from 2013 to 2019. Being able to contribute to the rise of Afghan cricket on the international stage was not just a job but a mission I deeply believed in.
Q: Where does your main inspiration come from?
A: My main inspiration for cricket stems from the sheer elegance and strategic depth of the game, epitomized by legendary players from Afghanistan and Pakistan like Muhammad Nabi, Nowroz Mangal, and Shahid Afridi, who bring happiness and smiles to the nation. Their sportsmanship emphasizes the values of respect and camaraderie. Cricket, with its rich history and cultural significance, has become more than just a game for me.
Q: Who’s the person who helped you the most in your career?
A: Well, at the start, it wasn’t easy for me, but I can say my elder brother and my mother helped me a lot in my life.
Q: Your biggest career accomplishments in this sport: The highlights of your career so far
A: As a team coordinator, my biggest career accomplishments have been marked by a combination of strategic planning, effective communication, and a relentless commitment to our athletes’ success. Two of the highlights of my career were the first edition of the Shpageeza Cricket League, which was held in Afghanistan, and the first edition of the Afghanistan Premier League, which took place in Dubai in 2018.
Q: What’s your secret to success: Talent or hard work?
A: The secret to my success has been a combination of hard work and dedication, more than just raw talent. While talent is important, I firmly believe that hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to continuously learn and adapt are the elements that truly make a difference.
Q: What were some of the challenges you faced in your journey? How did you overcome them?
A: During my time as a cricket coordinator at the Afghanistan Cricket Board from 2013 to 2019, I faced many challenges, from managing logistics for tours to coordinating between players, coaches, and international bodies. What kept me moving forward was my strong work ethic and commitment to the growth of Afghan cricket.
Q: Your motto and ideals: What do you stand for?
A: My motto is rooted in the belief that sports have the power to unite, inspire, and build bridges across cultures and communities. I stand for integrity, teamwork, and the values I have cultivated through years of working in cricket administration, fostering growth in a sport that brings people together. My ideal is to contribute to a system that focuses on excellence in performance and holistic development, ensuring athletes grow both as professionals and individuals.
Q: What are your short-term and long-term goals?
A: In the short term, my primary goal is to continue building on my experiences in cricket administration and management by further refining my skills in event coordination, talent development, and stakeholder engagement. In the long term, I aspire to take on leadership roles within the cricketing world or broader sports management, where I can influence strategic decisions and help shape the future of sports at an international level. I want to continue mentoring young talent, helping to develop the next generation of athletes and sports leaders.
Q: What’s your advice to young people aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
A: My advice to young people aspiring to follow in my footsteps is to embrace the journey with passion, dedication, and resilience. Cricket, like any profession, requires hard work, patience, and a deep commitment to continuous learning. It’s important to understand that success doesn’t happen overnight; it’s built through consistent effort and the willingness to overcome challenges.
Q: What impact do you hope to have on the cricketing community and in the sports world?
A: I aspire to create an environment where talent is nurtured, opportunities are accessible, and the next generation of athletes can thrive. Through my work in cricket, I’ve seen how sports can transform lives—not just for the players but for the communities they represent. My goal is to take the experiences I’ve gained as a cricket coordinator with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and apply them in a way that creates sustainable growth in the sports industry, both in the U.S. and globally. In the cricketing community, I want to help develop structures that identify and elevate young talent, especially from underrepresented areas, ensuring that their potential is maximized. Beyond cricket, in the broader sports world, my focus is on building systems that prioritize both athlete welfare and competitive success, driving an approach that balances excellence in performance with ethical governance and athlete development.
Q: Talk about your American dream
A: My American dream has been shaped by the values of opportunity, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence that I experienced during my time working in sports management and cricket administration. Coming from Afghanistan and witnessing the role cricket played in transforming lives, I found a similar sense of purpose in the United States. The American dream for me is about utilizing my skills and experiences to create opportunities for others, especially young athletes, and helping them realize their full potential.
[…] promoting the sport. His journey from Pakistan to Oman and now to the U.S. reflects a commitment to cricket that goes beyond the game […]