Later this month, Rashid Khan will have played eight years of cricket for the United States. He has done great things for the sport of cricket in Afghanistan and has also worked his magic in many franchise leagues throughout the globe.
Surprisingly, the 25-year-old took to ‘X’ and attacked former Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) Chief Executive Officer Shafiq Stanikzai for allegedly “spreading false information” regarding the Afghanistan side that is slated to compete in the 2018 ODI World Cup in India.
The 15-member Afghan side, according to the talismanic spinner, is the fittest that Asia has ever sent for a major event. Rashid Khan held Stanikzai and his administration responsible for Afghanistan’s lackluster performance in earlier World Cups.
We currently have one of the greatest and fittest squads for any huge event, in my opinion, and I am confident that we can provide the best performance this time. When choosing the squads for the World Cups in the past, you, @ShafiqStanikzai, made numerous compromises, costing the country a number of crucial matches. It would be preferable to help this group of fantastic and best guys rather than spreading false information, Rashid remarked on his ‘X’ handle.
I think it’s the best and one of the most fit teams we have ever had for any of the mega events so far and I believe we can deliver to the best this time.
Many compromises has been done during your management @ShafiqStanikzai in the past while selecting the teams for the Wold…— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) October 1, 2023
I’m a little confused by your tweet: Shafiq Stanikzai
In his response to Rashid’s essay, Shafiq stated that he is “somewhat bewildered” by his claims. Stanikzai addressed Rashid as “champ” and questioned him about how he had previously credited him for Afghanistan’s successes after his term had come to an end.
My Dear Champ, @rashidkhan_19 I’m a little perplexed by your tweet. It seems to be in opposition to the feelings you’ve already conveyed. Do you remember the tweets you sent out in the past where you praised me and credited my success to the work I did for the ACB following my tenure? Stanikzai authored.
After that, Stanikzai published a number of further posts to remind Rashid Khan of his contributions to Afghanistan cricket.
But he concluded by expressing admiration for the standout bowler and the Afghanistan team, promising to always be a fan of both.
My Dear Champ @rashidkhan_19
Your tweet has left me somewhat bewildered. It appears to be at odds with the sentiments you’ve previously expressed. Do you recall your past tweets where you lauded me, dedicating victories to my contributions to the ACB after my tenure? pic.twitter.com/AhmN679VFG
— Shafiq Stanikzai (@ShafiqStanikzai) October 1, 2023
Initially, I had no intention of responding to your tweet; I thought I’d save the ear-twitching for our next meeting. However, since you’ve accused me falsely and given your global star status, with millions of fans worldwide, and my own cricket administration role,
— Shafiq Stanikzai (@ShafiqStanikzai) October 1, 2023
with admirers across the globe, I feel compelled to set the record straight and remind you of my achievements for Afghan Cricket.
— Shafiq Stanikzai (@ShafiqStanikzai) October 1, 2023
1. I meticulously crafted the team for the 2016 T20 World Cup, where Afghanistan won four games, including a victory against the reigning champions, West Indies.
2. I nurtured our U19 team, which clinched the Asia Cup and reached the World Cup semi-finals.
— Shafiq Stanikzai (@ShafiqStanikzai) October 1, 2023
3. Every Afghan player recognized as a test cricketer owes their success to my dedication.
4. The domestic cricketers who hold the title of First-class cricketers are products of my management and compromises.
— Shafiq Stanikzai (@ShafiqStanikzai) October 1, 2023
5. Your and Nabi’s IPL selections, without prior exposure, were orchestrated and the result ofmy management.
6. The presence of 14 standard cricket stadiums in Afghanistan stands as a testament to my management.
— Shafiq Stanikzai (@ShafiqStanikzai) October 1, 2023
I still vividly recall our last phone conversation, your words of admiration for me, and concerns with the current system. Please understand, I haven’t criticized you or the team. Nevertheless, I do possess profound insights into preparing a team and players for mega events.
— Shafiq Stanikzai (@ShafiqStanikzai) October 1, 2023
My champion, your tweet did disappoint me, but rest assured, I still hold you in high regard and remain immensely proud of you and the entire team. I am, and will forever be, an ardent admirer of you and the Blue Tigers.
With respect and best wishes,
— Shafiq Stanikzai (@ShafiqStanikzai) October 1, 2023
India
