Former Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan recently shared his thoughts on the incredible growth of cricket in Afghanistan. Speaking at the SA20 Captain’s meet, Rashid highlighted how far his team has come in just a decade.
“Ten years ago, nobody thought Afghanistan could make the semis of a World Cup. We don’t have the facilities in Afghanistan, but playing in leagues has helped us,” Rashid said.
Afghanistan’s Historic T20 World Cup Run
Afghanistan’s journey in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup was nothing short of inspirational. They started strong, winning three games in the group stage. In the Super 8s, they continued their dream run, finishing among the top two in a tough group that included India, Australia, and Bangladesh.
They eventually made it to the semi-finals, where they faced South Africa. Although they fell short against the Proteas, reaching that stage was a monumental achievement for a team that was considered minnows just a decade ago.
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Eyeing the Champions Trophy 2025
With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, Afghanistan is determined to build on their recent success. Their first game will be a high-stakes encounter against South Africa on February 21 — a chance to settle scores after their semi-final loss.
To bolster their chances, Afghanistan has brought in former Pakistan captain Younis Khan as a mentor. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the news on Wednesday.
“ACB has assigned former experienced top-order Pakistani player Younis Khan as a mentor for Champions Trophy 2025. He will join the team before the event starts in Pakistan,” said ACB spokesperson Sayeed Naseem Sadat.
Rashid Khan’s Leadership in SA20
Meanwhile, Rashid is currently leading MI Cape Town in the ongoing SA20 league in South Africa. His team is set to kick off their campaign on January 13 against Paarl Royals.
Rashid’s presence in these high-profile leagues has been a game-changer for Afghanistan cricket. He believes playing alongside top international players has fast-tracked the development of Afghan cricketers.
“Being part of these leagues has taught us how to handle pressure and perform on the big stage,” Rashid added.
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