Afghanistan, cricket and fairy tales: a critical analysis of Out of the Ashes

In 2010, Tim Albone, Leslie Knott and Lucy Martens directed the excellent Out of the Ashes, a documentary tracing the journey of an inexperienced group of Afghani cricketers from the obscurity of rubble pitches to the green grass of international cricketdom and sporting success. A year later, Albone wrote a book with the same title, adding significant details to this 'compelling story of triumph over adversity'. 1 Following introductory remarks about cricket in Afghanistan, the main focus of this article will be on analysing the documentary since it preceded the book and enjoyed a wider circulation. The study employs both thematic and discursive forms of analysis. 2 I discuss the emergent overarching themes of 'culture clash' and 'socio-economic imperatives' as well as interpretive repertoires revolving around 'cricket as civilizing mission' and 'triumph of plucky underdogs'. The analysis of the book brings forth themes missing from the film such as class antagonism and also a number of 'ideological dilemmas'.(3) I conclude by suggesting that a critical analysis reveals far more about the complicated intersections of class, ethnicity, nationality and gender than intended by the film-makers.