Out of the Ashes Review

Sport was banned in Afghanistan under the Taliban. However, Taj Malik and his brothers kept cricket alive in a Pakistani refugee camp, and they not only proved instrumental in relaunching the game after the 2001 invasion, but also helped steer the national team to the 20/20 World Cup. Strewn with amusing, exciting and sometimes shameful moments, this inspiring documentary chronicles the side’s progress through the lower ranks of the ICC system, with highlights such as a victory over Jersey contrasting with Taj’s dismissal as coach. This is a fitting and utterly charming tribute to a dreamer who refused to be tyrannised into accepting defeat.