Out of the Ashes

Against a backdrop of war and poverty, Out of the Ashes, traces the extraordinary journey of a team of young, Afghan men, as they chase a seemingly impossible dream, shedding new light on a nation beyond that of burqas, bombs, drugs and devastation. This feature-length documentary follows the Afghan cricket team in their quest against the odds to qualify for the 2011 World Cup, premiering at the Edinburgh International Film Festival on 17th June. Backed by BBC Storyville and Oscar-winning director and cricket fan, Sam Mendes, 'Out of the Ashes' follows the squad over two years as they go from playing in their shalwar-kameezes on rubble pitches to batting their way around the globe and up the international league tables.

Top Cast

Karim Saddiq

Himself - The Big Hitter

Hasti Gul Abid

Himself - The Joker

Gulbadin Naib

Himself - The Rookie

Taj Malik Alam

Himself - The Coach

Nawrouz Manga

Himself - The Captain