The third season of SA20 will start on January 9. MI Cape Town captain Rashid Khan shared his thoughts on the development of Afghanistan cricket and the role that SA20 and other platforms play in this transformation.
In recent years, Afghanistan as a squad has achieved tremendous success. They made their debut on the international scene ten years ago, and last year they advanced to the T20 World Cup semifinals. Renowned spinner Rashid discussed the growth of Afghan athletes competing in international tournaments.
Such leagues, in my opinion, significantly enhance cricket. And I believe that Afghanistan cricket has benefited greatly since Afghan players have joined the leagues and played abroad. The way we performed in the World Cup was evident in the 2023 World Cup as well as in the ODI and T20 competitions. During both World Cups, we advanced to the semifinals. Ten years ago, I doubt anyone would have predicted that Afghanistan would advance to the semifinals. “That’s just the kind of opportunity they get here in such big leagues,” Khan stated during the press conference for the official captains.
Get the chance to cross paths with well-known figures: Rashid Khan
SA20 has provided Afghan cricket players with multiple opportunities to display their skills. It is noteworthy that Sediqullah Atal, who averaged 122.66 with the bat in the Emerging Asia Cup, has replaced Ben Stokes, who was injured, in the MI Cape Town team.
Azmatullah and Gurbaz, as well as a few more young players like Noor and Naveen, are present, as you indicated. They’re all coming and playing in this major league, so they have the chance to compete among well-known players. “You know, you don’t get to play with a big superstar very often in Afghanistan,” he continued.
Michigan Cape Town finished at the bottom of the standings in the first two seasons of SA20 due to difficulties.
The team is hopeful that things will improve, though, with Rashid returning as captain and a new roster. Stars like Trent Boult, Reeza Hendricks, and Kagiso Rabada are in the team, along with Afghan players Azmatullah Omarzai and Sediqullah Atal.
You can play with them here, but we don’t have a league of our own where you can go. You’re learning from them while you share the dressing room for a month. Because we are no longer in a position where we can just consider attending and taking part in the ICC events, I believe that this has greatly benefited Afghanistan cricket.
“There are expectations, and playing in the competitions and improving our cricket skills is, I believe, the source of all of them. Rashid continued, “It’s wonderful to see the young people coming, and I hope that many more will join the major leagues and play and improve.”
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