Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced Rashid Khan as a new T20I captain for Afghanistan on Tuesday, Najibullah Zadran to play under the vice-captaincy role.
The star leg-spinner of Afghanistan, Rashid Khan was appointed as a captain of the men’s T20 team, the country’s cricket board announced it on Tuesday keeping in mind the shortest format World Cup to be held in UAE from October 17 to November 14. While the left-handed batsman, Najibullah Zadran is set to play the role of vice-captain for the team.
“All-rounder Rashid Khan has been appointed the T20I captain of Team Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Najibullah Zadran has been appointed the National Team’s Vice-captain for the format,”
Afghanistan cricket Board said in a statement.
“Rashid, one of the well-known global faces of the game, was selected by senior ACB leadership led by ACB Chairman Farhan Yousefzai, for the role considering his experience, brilliant performance as well as leadership skills with the National team over the years.”
Rashid, who is ranked world no 2 among bowlers in T20Is, said he is honored to serve his nation.
“I’m a great believer that a captain is as good as his team. It is Afghanistan that gave me the name RASHID KHAN & it is my duty now to serve my country & my team. Thank you @ACBofficials for your trust & believing in me. It is a dream journey & my fan’s support will be the key,”
Rashid tweeted.
Rashid Khan who plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League had recently declined the captaincy offer from Afghanistan, quoting that he is more valuable for the team as a player than as a leader.
In July 2019, Rashid Khan, who is ranked number 2 among bowlers in T20I’s, was appointed as the captain for Afghanistan across all the formats.
However, after losing to West Indies in a single Test match and ODI series, he was immediately replaced by Asghar Afghan.
The 22 years has so far played 51 T20I’s in which he picked 95 wickets. In IPL, where he plays a leading role, picked up 85 wickets in 69 games.
Afghanistan is set to join England, India, and South Africa in group B for the T20 World Cup 2021. The rest two teams will be decided after the qualifying rounds.
The 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup has been shifted to UAE from India after the second wave of Covid-19.