Phil Simmons, the coach of Afghanistan shed some light regarding his take on the players fasting for Ramadan. Prior to that, he spoke about their first Test clash against India and how it will make them understand the level that is required to play in Test cricket.

“After the first Test match, they will know this level is so much higher and what they need to do to get to that level,” Simmons was quoted by News 18.

While Afghanistan will play on Indian soil against the host nation, Simmons believes that the players have what it takes to handle the pressure as they have recently shown in all the formats that they have played in.

“The emotions will hit them when they get to Bangalore. But I think they can handle the nerves. We have seen in the last five to six years that they have stepped up in every format that they have played.” Simmons said.

He then spoke about how difficult it is to play while fasting but also added that the players have done it in the past and that he respects their decision.

“I was them with last year also. I have kept fast a couple of times so I understand how difficult it is. Their culture is something is they live with day in and day out. It is not the first time that they have played during Ramzan. It is their choice and I respect that,” Simmons concluded.