The ever-impressing Afghanistan has battled hard to earn their respect in the world cricket despite other political interventions. Their players have made a name for themselves through their performances around the world especially in the T20 format.
Their team is all set to go through a transition as Rashid Khan is all set to take the captaincy mantle from Mohammed Nabi as the star leg-spinner has been named as the new T20i captain of Afghanistan.
This news came on Thursday after Mirwais Ashraf, the chairman of Afghanistan cricket board, announced Rashid as the new captain who will lead the team in T20 internationals. Mohammad Nabi had stepped down as the Afghanistan captain in T20s after the team’s disappointing exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
Rashid Khan to lead Afghanistan In T20Is
Rashid has led his nation previously as well. Rashid has captained Afghanistan in seven T20Is along with two tests in the post covid year of 2019. He also led the team in a total of seven ODIs between 2019 and 2020.
It is interesting to notice that Rashid was also named as the captain of Afghanistan ahead of the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup 2021. However, he decided to step down ahead of the tournament after the announcement of the squad claiming that he was not consulted before the selection.
“A captain has a lot of responsibilities. I have prior experience as the leader of my country, and there is a terrific group of individuals with whom I get along well and feel at ease. “We shall make an effort to stick together, work hard to turn things around, and bring joy and pride to our nation and country”- a jubilant Rashid Khan shared his views owing to the occasion.
Rashid is the third-leading wicket-taker in the T20I format with 122 wickets in 74 matches for Afghanistan. He is behind Tim Southee and Shakid Al Hassan with 134 and 128 wickets respectively.
Rashid who first came into the limelight through playing franchise cricket around the world, where he has played a total of 361 T20 matches for 15 different clubs worldwide since 2015. With 491 wickets, he is the second-most successful bowler in the format behind Dwayne Bravo (614) in terms of dismissals.
