KARACHI: Afghanistan’s national cricket team captain, Rashid Khan’s rise to become a multi-millionaire cricket superstar and leading his nation to unprecedented heights in the sport began as a refugee living in the Pakistan city of Peshawar.
Born into a family of eleven children, Rashid’s journey from the war-torn Afghanistan to the safety of Peshawar, laid the foundation for his remarkable rise. His family sought refuge in Pakistan, where Rashid honed his cricketing skills under the guidance of mentors who recognized his innate talent.
Ali Hoti, Rashid’s sports teacher from Peshawar, recalled about the young cricketer’s early days. “Rashid has a blessed right hand with which he bowls world-class deliveries,” Hoti told AFP. “His focus, commitment, and talent were exemplary, making him a role model across borders.”
Educated at Islamia College in Peshawar, Rashid not only excelled in cricket but also pursued studies in computer science. His prowess on the field quickly became evident, marked by notable performances that caught the attention of coaches and selectors alike.
“During cricket trials, we saw huge talent in Rashid, so we got him admission in computer science,” Hoti recalled. “He was a good student as well, and that was the start of his career in 2013.”
Initially recognized for his batting abilities, Rashid’s evolution into a world-class leg-spinner marked a turning point in his career trajectory. His understanding of game situations and his ability to deliver under pressure soon earned him accolades on the international stage.
Rashid’s breakthrough came in 2015 when his performances for Afghanistan attracted the notice of cricketing luminaries like Rashid Latif, Inzamam-ul-Haq, and Kabir Khan, who were coaching the Afghan team at the time.
“An Afghanistan team came to Peshawar in 2014, and Rashid’s performances caught the eye,” Hoti explained. “The rest is history.”
Since his international debut, Rashid has amassed nearly 200 appearances in one-day internationals and T20 matches, claiming a remarkable 369 wickets across formats. His leadership skills were recognized early when he became the youngest Test captain at the age of 20, despite an initial challenging debut against India.
As a sought-after T20 franchise player, Rashid has been instrumental in securing victories for teams like Gujarat Titans in the IPL and Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League, showcasing his versatility and match-winning abilities.
Sameen Rana, the chief operating officer of Lahore Qalandars, praised Rashid not only for his cricketing prowess but also for his selflessness and dedication to team success. “For Rashid, the team always comes first,” Rana remarked. “His humility and work ethic are unmatched.”
At the ongoing T20 World Cup, Rashid’s leadership has been pivotal in Afghanistan’s success, including a standout performance against New Zealand where he took 4-17 and a crucial role in securing Afghanistan’s first-ever semi-final berth in World Cup history.
Rashid’s aggressive yet compassionate leadership style has endeared him to teammates and fans alike. In a recent match against Bangladesh, his gesture of throwing his bat towards teammate Karim Janat, who had refused a second run, exemplified his commitment to team cohesion and success.
