KABUL, 24 July 2025 – In the energetic buzz of the Shpageeza Cricket League at Kabul Cricket Stadium, cameras are flashing, fans are cheering, and analysts are racing to cover every ball. Amidst this vibrant environment stands a calm but determined young Sports journalist, Shahzada Jawhar, proudly representing Ghazni province and Shamla Radio.
For Shahzada, this is more than a reporting assignment; it’s a personal milestone, a leap from local coverage in Ghazni to one of Afghanistan’s most prestigious sporting events.“When I entered the stadium with my media badge, I felt like I had finally arrived where I had always dreamed of, not as a spectator, but as a journalist.”
From Local Fields to National Coverage
Shahzada Jawhar has long been a familiar name in Ghazni’s sports Journalism community. Known for his consistent radio reports on football, cricket, and traditional sports, he built a strong following by highlighting local talent and grassroots efforts.
But covering the Shpageeza League brought a whole new level of challenge, and opportunity.“This league is the heartbeat of Afghan cricket. Being here, reporting live, interviewing national-level players, it’s both an honour and a huge responsibility.”
Throughout the tournament, Shahzada provided live commentary, post-match analysis, and exclusive interviews for Shamla Radio’s audience back in Ghazni. His balanced, accurate, and energetic reporting helped bring the excitement of Shpageeza to listeners who couldn’t attend in person.
A Federation That Opens Doors
As a committed member of the Afghanistan Sports Journalists Federation (ASJF), Shahzada recognises that his participation in Shpageeza would not have been possible without the Federation’s support.“ASJF made this journey real for me. From knowing my rights to get accreditation to guiding me on professional standards, the ASJF stood with me every step of the way.”
He considers the Afghanistan Sports Journalists Federation a home for young Sports journalists, a place where voices from distant provinces are given space, respect, and opportunity.
Like many young journalists in the country, Shahzada credits the ASJF with providing the foundation and support necessary to grow.“The ASJF gave me direction. It taught me that I’m part of a bigger team, one that believes in professional standards, cooperation, and giving voice to every corner of Afghanistan.”
From training opportunities to access to national events, the Federation has opened new doors for Shahzada and many others working in difficult environments with limited resources.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Shahzada says that his experience at Shpageeza taught him more in a few days than years of theoretical knowledge could. “I learned how to handle pressure, how to adapt to fast-paced events, how to ask sharp questions, and how to stay objective, all in real time. This is Sports journalism in action.”
His interaction with senior journalists, seasoned commentators, and Afghan cricket stars further enriched his understanding of professional Sports media work.
Taking the Lessons Back to Ghazni
Shahzada is very excited when the league comes to an end, and he prepares to return to Ghazni, with a new vision.“I’m not going back to the old ideas. I want to share what I’ve learned, help build a small team of committed sports journalists in my province, and inspire youth to believe that they too can reach national platforms.
”While Shahzada continues to cover local leagues and national events, he also sees himself as a mentor for the next generation. He’s aiming to help younger students learn the basics of sports journalism and media ethics.“I don’t want to succeed alone. I want to help others walk this path too. If we build strong local voices, we build a stronger national media.”
Shahzada Jawhar’s journey from local radio in Ghazni to national cricket coverage in Kabul reflects the true spirit of sports journalism in Afghanistan: resilience, passion, and purpose.
He’s not just reporting matches; he’s amplifying the voice of a generation that refuses to be left out of the story.“This is my first Shpageeza, but not the last. I’m committed to telling the stories that matter, from Ghazni to the national stage.”
For Shahzada Jawhar, Sports journalism is more than a profession, it’s a responsibility. His story represents countless young Afghans who are pushing past limitations to raise the standard of sports coverage across the country.
His voice on Shamla Radio is not just reporting scores; it’s documenting dreams, highlighting heroes, and inspiring hope.“We may be working in small studios, but our dreams are limitless. With support, vision, and teamwork, we can build a future where every Afghan athlete’s story is told.”