Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday sends a special message to Asghar Stanikzai-led Afghanistan team congratulating them on their ‘historic’ Test debut.

Afghanistan are making their Test debut against Ajinkya Rahane-led Indian cricket team M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday.

Narendra Modi took to the micro-blogging site, Twitter and wrote, “I congratulate the people of Afghanistan as their cricket team plays their first international test match. Glad that they have chosen to play the historic match with India. Best wishes to both teams! May sports continue to bring our people closer and strengthen ties.”

I congratulate the people of Afghanistan as their cricket team plays their first international test match. Glad that they have chosen to play the historic match with India. Best wishes to both teams! May sports continue to bring our people closer and strengthen ties.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 14, 2018

Special message from @PMOIndia on the occasion of the historic debut of #Afghanistan @ACBofficials in the test arena against @BCCI tomorrow at #Bengaluru. #INDvsAFG @BCCISportsTv #Cricket pic.twitter.com/w7Mr37W83y

— India in Afghanistan (@IndianEmbKabul) June 13, 2018

Minister of State, Sports and Youth Affairs Mr. @Ra_THORe along with Mr. Abdullah Abdullah (Chief Executive of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan), greet the two teams ahead of the start of play in Bengaluru.#INDvAFG pic.twitter.com/HtXNTqmXnn

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 14, 2018

Sports Minister Rajyavardan Rathore, who was also present on the ground as Afghanistan geared up to play their maiden Test against India, wrote on Twitter: “May the best team win!”

Delighted to be at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium where Afghanistan makes its debut in test cricket against India. Hope this game marks the beginning of a new inning for the people of Afghanistan and for our countries’ relationship! #INDvAFG.”

May the best team win!

Delighted to be at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium where Afghanistan makes its debut in test cricket against India.
Hope this game marks the beginning of a new inning for the people of Afghanistan and for our countries’ relationship!#INDvAFG pic.twitter.com/MCviRYk5o7

— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) June 14, 2018

Ready to hit the straight drive ☺ after learning where the sweet spot of the bat is from @SDhawan25 and @kartikmurali. #INDvAFG pic.twitter.com/ItXaw6Zzw4

— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) June 14, 2018

Rajyavardan Rathore also read out the message sent by Prime Minister Modi before the game began.

Atif Mashal, the Afghanistan Cricket Board chief, also read out a statement sent from Afghan president Ashraf Ghani.

Afghanistan has become the 12th Test playing nation.

Talking about their achievements, Stanikzai said at the toss, “It’s a very proud moment,” adding, “All the guys have some first-class experience, but our first test, obviously. Maybe the first one hour it will be a good wicket for bowling.”