Rashid Khan is a very happy man these days; not due to his IPL exploits but for completely different reasons altogether.
Afghanistan currently stands very close to the opportunity of becoming a full Test member. The dream, which is in the pipeline for a long time, received a major boost after their recent win over Ireland in the Intercontinental Cup. It is been expected that soon the ICC may induce the rising Asian team in the prestigious ‘Test playing nations’ club.
By awarding a Test status to Afghanistan, ICC will be rewarding the team’s extensive hard work and provide the pool of highly talented players with an opportunity to play in the longest format of the game.
One of the bright young talents, who has gained huge attention in recent times, is leg-spinner, Rashid Khan. There is absolutely no doubt about the fact that Rashid Khan will be one of the players who would feature in the first ever Test XI of Afghanistan Cricket’s history.
The 18-year-old is eagerly waiting for the opportunity to arrive. Just like any cricketer, he describes playing Test cricket as his ultimate dream.
“Any cricketer has one ultimate dream. To do well in Test cricket for his country. By the grace of almighty, we would soon be playing Test cricket. I am just waiting for that day when I will be playing Test cricket for Afghanistan. For me, success in Test cricket will define me as a cricketer,” said the soft-spoken Rashid, who has already played 26 ODIs and 24 T20 Internationals for his country.
Rashid surely has the abilities to find success in all formats of the game. After making his debut as a 17-year-old, he took no time in sealing his spot in the national side and has been dishing out spectacular performances on regular basis since then.
He recently achieved a whole new level of stardom after becoming the first ever Afghan player to grab an IPL contract after he was signed by the Sunrisers Hyderabad for a whopping Rs 4.5 crore. So far, he has justified his price tag and is in middle of a fantastic debut IPL season, having snapped 13 wickets in 11 matches.
“It’s been like a dream for me. Playing in the IPL with so many stalwarts. More importantly being able to hold my own and perform for the team. Our coach Tom Moody has been constantly telling me that self-belief is key to success. I have always had faith in my abilities and it’s paying off,” the 19-year-old said.
One main aspect of his bowling has been his googly. It has been his main wicket taking weapon and has baffled the top names. It garnered so much attention that it was the most talked about subject during the initial part of the tournament.
“David Miller would be top in my list followed by Brendon McCullum and Rohit Sharma. All three were foxed by googlies and are the best in the business,” he stated speaking of his best dismissal.
However, it was quite strange to know that Rashid is yet to receive any offer from franchises of other T20 leagues.
“I haven’t got any offers from any other T20 franchises but hopefully I will be able to play tournaments like Big Bash and Natwest T20 Blast. It will only help me improve my game.”
Afghanistan, who play mostly against Associate nations barring in the ICC tournaments, will be touring West Indies later in the month of May.
“Right after IPL, Afghanistan will be playing West Indies in a series. From here, I would be leaving for the Caribbean islands to play a limited-overs with three T20 matches. Playing T20 Internationals in the Caribbean will be an experience,” he said.
Rashid also shared some personal experience. Becoming an international cricketer means staying away from family and country. With the introduction of a busier international calendar and IPL, the young man is now having a taste of a very different lifestyle.
“I have not been back home for four months. Musafir ki tarah zindagi hai (Leading a nomadic life). I have been living out of suitcase, playing at Greater Noida (against Ireland) and then in Zimbabwe and now IPL. People in my country are happy. I get a lot of positive feedback from people of Afghanistan which makes me feel good.”