Afghanistan has been a nation which is in the news for its political turmoil. A Third World Nation, engulfed by war-stricken scenarios, has often been in the news for the wrong reasons. A bunch of men, however, have managed to draw the attention of the world away from all the panic, towards a path of glory. A cricket team that received its official ODI membership just 7 years ago, is all set to become the 12th Test playing nation, when they take the field against India on 14th June. A decade ago, however, no one would've dreamt of this.Afghanistan's rise to glory began in 2009, when they won the ICC Intercontinental Cup. This tournament is organized by ICC for the development of Associate Members, and preparation for an eventual promotion to Test Status. Ever since then, the Afghanistan team hasn't looked back. They fell short the next time around when they lost the final to Ireland in 2013, but they are the current champions after having beaten UAE in 2017.Afghanistan have shown tremendous success in the T20 format, with a win record of 66%. Having played their first T20I game in 2010, they qualified for the 2016 T20 World Cup and were the only team to defeat eventual champions West Indies in the group stages. Recently they recorded 11 consecutive T20I wins, which is an incredible feat for a team still finding its feet in cricket.Afghanistan were part of the 2015 Cricket World Cup, and won their first World Cup game against Scotland. This year, they created history by winning the ICC World Cup Qualifiers, finishing ahead of West Indies.While one can be inspired by this story of a cricket team gaining popularity despite having so many problems in their country, it should be noted that the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has helped the Afghanistan Cricket Board a lot in recent years. Having already provided financial aid, BCCI has also helped create a platform for the Afghans to display their talent. Recently, from 3rd June to 7th June, Afghanistan played a T20 series against Bangladesh at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Dehradun. They ended up winning all three games. It is also rumored that the teams touring India in the future might play their practice games against Afghanistan, to help nurture the talent within this team, and develop their game. As a thankful gesture, the Afghanistan Cricket Board decided to make its debut in Test Cricket against India, after they were initially slated to play against Australia.All this success, of course, wouldn't have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the players and the coaching staff. Such is the talent that has risen from this nation, that major T20 leagues are now hoping to get the popular Afghan players in their teams. In fact, history was created this year in the IPL, when as many as 4 Afghan cricketers were bought by various teams in the auction.Some of the popular players from this team are:The current captain, and the person who has lead the team to its recent success.19 year old guy who has taken World Cricket by storm. He recently became the youngest bowler to pick up 100 ODI wickets. He has been a part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad for the past 2 years.The current wicket keeper. He has taken inspiration from MS Dhoni to become an explosive batsman as well.The most genuine all rounder of the team. He tops most of the batting charts and is a handy bowler as well. He was part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad this IPL as well.He became popular in this year's World Cup Qualifiers, and was bought by the Kings XI Punjab in the IPL. He is a mystery spinner, and forms a deadly pair with Rashid Khan.As a true cricket fan, it gives me immense pleasure to see this team step into the most beautiful format of cricket. While most of the people will be rooting for India to win this solitary Test Match from 14th to 18th June, I myself will be hoping that Afghanistan create some waves which will put them on the path of glory in the purest form of cricket.