Rashid Khan Hails Growing Afghan Representation in the IPL

November 27, 2024

Afghanistan cricket star Rashid Khan has expressed his joy over the increasing presence of Afghan players in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Rashid, who became the first Afghan cricketer to feature in the IPL in 2017 when he joined Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), sees this as a positive sign for the development of cricket in his country.

Over the years, several Afghan players have joined the IPL ranks, including spinner Noor Ahmed, all-rounders Mohammed Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai, and most recently, 18-year-old spinner Allah Ghazanfar, who was signed by Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL mega auction this year.

A Sign of Growth for Afghanistan Cricket

Currently competing in the Abu Dhabi T10 League for the Bangla Tigers, Rashid spoke about his pride in seeing more Afghan players in the IPL. “Having more Afghan players in the IPL is fantastic for Afghanistan cricket,” he said. “It’s the world’s biggest cricket league, and the fact that players from Afghanistan are carving out their spaces there shows the growth of the game back home. It’s exciting to watch them compete at this level.”

Thriving in the T10 Format

Rashid, who has been instrumental for the Bangla Tigers in the ongoing T10 League at Zayed Cricket Stadium, acknowledged the unique challenges spinners face in the fast-paced format. “T10 cricket is tough for spinners. The batsmen are always looking to score quickly, and the new ball doesn’t allow much turn,” he explained.

Despite the challenges, Rashid emphasized the importance of precision and adaptability. “Bowling in the right areas is crucial, and sometimes just one good delivery can change the game. Factors like boundary size and pitch conditions can help, and if you have the skills, you can succeed,” he added.

Bangla Tigers’ Campaign So Far

The Bangla Tigers have delivered a mixed performance in the tournament, winning two of their four matches so far. They are gearing up to face the Ajman Bolts in their next fixture on November 27, with Rashid expected to play a key role in their campaign.

As Afghan players continue to make their mark in global leagues like the IPL and T10, Rashid’s sentiments reflect the pride and optimism surrounding the future of Afghanistan cricket.