Rashid Khan named Afghanistan’s new T20I captain

Rashid Khan has been appointed as the captain of the Afghanistan T20I team, replacing Mohammad Nabi who stepped down following Afghanistan’s dismal campaign in the recently concluded World Series 2022 in Australia. 

The Chairman of Afghanistan cricket board, Miwais Ashraf proposed the idea of Rashid taking over the role, with the spin wizard having earlier led the nation in seven T20Is in 2019. The 24 year old has also led his side in seven ODIs between 2018-19 and two tests in 2019. 

Afghanistan have won four of the seven matches under Rashid’s leadership, including two wins against the West Indies in Lucknow. Rashid’s current captaincy stint will commence from February 2023 when Afghanistan tour UAE to play three T20Is against the hosts.  

“Rashid Khan is a massive name in Afghanistan Cricket. He has colossal experience of playing the format around the world which will help him take the team to a new level in the format," said Ashraf.

"Rashid Khan has the experience of leading Afghanistan in all three formats before and we are happy to have him as our skipper for the T20I format again. I am sure he will come out on top and will bring more glory to the nation," he said.

Rashid, the third best wicket-taker in T20Is, said this on his appointment - “Captaincy is a huge responsibility. I have the experience of leading my country before, there are a great bunch of guys with whom I have a good understanding and feel pretty comfortable. We will try to stick together, will work hard to put things on the right track and bring pride and joy to our country and nation."