On Friday, February 21, 2025, something exciting happened in Pakistan. Afghan refugees in Islamabad gathered at a cozy café. They watched their cricket team play in the Champions Trophy. This was a big deal because it was Afghanistan’s first time in this famous tournament. The room was loud with cheers. But soon, the happy noise turned quiet. People started talking about a scary problem—deportation.
A Special Day for Cricket Fans
The Afghan cricket team played against South Africa. This match was in Karachi, a busy city in Pakistan. The TV showed every run and catch. For the refugees, it was a proud moment. Their team was shining on a huge stage. Many of them grew up loving cricket. They played it in refugee camps years ago. Now, their team was in a world-class event.
Smiles Turn to Frowns
The fun didn’t last long. People at the café stopped watching the game. They whispered about something serious. Pakistan might send them back to Afghanistan. This idea made their hearts heavy. They love watching cricket, but they’re afraid of leaving Pakistan. It’s a tough mix of happy and sad feelings.
Why Are They Worried?
Life hasn’t been easy for these Afghan refugees. Many ran away from Afghanistan when the Taliban took over in 2021. They came to Pakistan hoping for safety. Some worked with the U.S. or other countries before. Now, they’re waiting to move to places like America. But Pakistan says they can’t stay forever. The government gave a deadline—March 31. If they don’t leave by then, they’ll be forced back home.
A Scary Thought
Going back to Afghanistan sounds dangerous. The Taliban rules there now. Refugees say it’s not safe for them. Marzia Delawar, a 22-year-old girl, shared her fear. “When we wake up, we’re scared,” she said. “Police might come and take us.” She doesn’t want to leave her house. The thought of deportation makes her super nervous.
A Judo Star’s Story
Parwin Askari was at the café too. She’s 26 and loves sports. She played judo for Afghanistan in big competitions. But the Taliban stopped women from playing sports. Parwin misses her family in Kabul. She’s been apart from them for almost a year. Watching cricket gave her joy. Still, she’s worried about being sent back.
What Pakistan Says
Pakistan’s leaders have a plan. They’ve been sending Afghans home since 2023. Over 800,000 people have already left. The government says it’s not being mean. They call it a “big campaign” to fix things. But refugees feel scared anyway. They don’t know what’s next.
The Cricket Game
The match against South Africa didn’t go well for Afghanistan. South Africa won by 107 runs. A player named Ryan Rickelton scored a fantastic 103 runs. Afghanistan tried hard but couldn’t catch up. Even so, the refugees clapped for their team. They were proud of the effort.
A Mix of Feelings
This day was special and tough. The refugees loved seeing their team play. It made them feel strong and happy. But the deportation news ruined some of the fun. One refugee said, “Cricket is our joy, but fear is always there.” It’s like eating candy while hearing bad news.
Life in Pakistan
Pakistan has been home to many Afghans for years. About 1.45 million refugees live there. Most came long ago during a war with the Soviet Union. Last year, Pakistan said these registered refugees could stay until June 2025. But now, things are changing. Police are checking papers more often. It makes people jumpy.
Dreams on Hold
Many refugees dream of moving far away. They want to go to the United States or other safe places. But that dream got harder. The new U.S. leader, Donald Trump, paused a program for refugees. This left thousands stuck in Pakistan. They feel trapped, like birds in a cage.
A Café Full of Hope
The café in Islamabad was warm and busy. People sipped tea and watched the screen. For a little while, cricket made them forget their troubles. They shouted when Afghanistan scored. They hugged when a player did something cool. It was a tiny escape from their big worries.
What Refugees Want
The refugees don’t want to leave Pakistan yet. They say it’s safer than Afghanistan. One woman said, “We just want peace.” They hope other countries will help them soon. They’re tired of waiting and worrying every day.
Cricket’s Big Moment
The Champions Trophy is a huge event. It’s the first global cricket tournament in Pakistan in almost 30 years. Teams like England, Australia, and South Africa are playing. Afghanistan’s debut is a shiny milestone. It shows how far their cricket has come.
A Hard Past
Afghan cricket started in tough times. Players learned in refugee camps in Pakistan. They practiced with little equipment. Over the years, they got better and better. They surprised the world by beating strong teams. Now, they’re in the Champions Trophy. It’s a proud story.
Voices of Fear
Back at the café, people shared their thoughts. A man said, “We cheer, but we’re scared inside.” Another added, “Police knock on doors at night.” They want to enjoy cricket, but the future feels shaky. It’s hard to be happy when you’re afraid.
Pakistan’s Side
Pakistan says it’s not chasing refugees away. The Foreign Office claims they’re kind to Afghans. They’ve welcomed millions for decades. But lately, they’ve gotten stricter. They want undocumented people to leave. It’s confusin’ for everyone.
A Deadline Looms
March 31 is coming fast. That’s when Pakistan says refugees must go somewhere else. If not, they’ll be sent back to Afghanistan. This deadline makes hearts race. Families wonder where they’ll end up. It’s a big, scary question.
Cricket Keeps Them Going
Even with all this worry, cricket helps. It’s like a friend that cheers them up. Watching their team play gives them hope. One boy said, “I want to be like those players.” For a moment, they dream of better days.
What’s Next?
No one knows what will happen. Will the refugees stay in Pakistan? Will they move to new homes? Or will they face the Taliban? It’s a waiting game. For now, they hold onto cricket. It’s their bright spot in a cloudy time.
A Day to Remember
February 21, 2025, mixed joy and fear. Afghan refugees cheered loud for their team. They smiled at every run. But deportation fears stayed close. This day showed their strength. It also showed their struggles. Cricket brought them together, even when life felt hard.
Final Thoughts
This story is about more than a game. It’s about people who love their team. It’s about families scared of losing their home. The Champions Trophy debut was awesome for Afghanistan. But the refugees’ worries are real. They hope for safety and a chance to cheer again.