Rashid Khan’s dream is to play international cricket in Afghanistan

Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s star spinner, has expressed his desire to play in front of his home crowd. Despite Afghanistan’s recent sporting triumphs, the country’s political instability and infrastructural difficulties have kept international matches off its soil.

During a recent engagement at a Dubai event, the 25-year-old discussed the importance of playing at home, which has remained a dream despite his team’s full membership status since 2017.

“That’s in FTP for now. However, only when the moment comes will you know if it is happening. There have been numerous games scheduled in Afghanistan… yet none have taken place. But hopefully it will happen. Rashid stated that it is helpful for both cricket and Afghanistan.

Hopefully, it happens in the future. Rashid Khan

Since gaining Test status, Afghanistan has hosted matches in India, the UAE, Qatar, and Sri Lanka. The leg-spinner did not explain how much it would mean to him personally, but he hopes that promise is realised before he departs.

“Well, if it occurs, it would be a dream to play international cricket in Afghanistan. I hope this happens before I depart from the sport. That is something I aspire to perform in front of my own audience. So, hopefully, that occurs in the future.” Rashid Khan added.

Meanwhile, the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 has sparked concerns for Afghanistan’s sporting future. Restrictions on women’s involvement in sports have received widespread criticism, and security concerns have stopped top-tier teams from travelling.

As a result, Afghanistan’s matches have been spread over multiple adopted homes. Notably, the squad was scheduled to play a Test against New Zealand in Greater Noida, India; however, the game was called off before a ball was thrown due to a poorly kept outfield.

“We are disappointed. We had prepared and trained thoroughly. So disappointed. The thing was, we got to train on the plaza [the day before], so we got to see the pitch. The boys were getting there, and their enthusiasm for the game grew even stronger. “So heartbreaking not to be able to play,” Afghanistan’s head coach Jonathan Trott