One country that won't be taking part in the Cricket World Cup in Britain is Afghanistan, but thanks partly to the top English club, the Marylebone Cricket Club, Afghans may soon take part in future competitions.

Cricket in Afghanistan is a new phenomenon arriving within the past couple of years by Afghan refugees returning from cricket-mad Pakistan.

There are now several teams in Kabul and other teams elsewhere in the country. Tournaments are played with great enthusiasm.

Until recently the MCC at Lord's was a male-only club

Games tend to be played on stretches of waste ground and the one thing Afghan cricketers have not had is good equipment.

But on a recent visit to Kabul, a British businessman, Stuart Bentham, went along to watch a game.

Mr Bentham, who is setting up a new telephone system for Afghanistan, is a member of the MCC and when some Afghans pleaded for decent bats, balls and pads he said he would see what he could do.

Good to his word, he spoke to the MCC, who said they would be delighted to present some equipment.

At a ceremony in the national sports stadium in Kabul, it has now been presented to some very grateful Afghans.

The MCC not only presented equipment for adults but also smaller pads and bats for boys.