Rashid Khan Appointed Afghanistan T20I Captain Ahead of World T20

Afghanistan star leg-spinner Rashid Khan has been appointed captain of the National’s T20 team keeping the ICC T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in UAE from October 17 to November 14 in mind.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), at the same time also also announced the appointment of left-handed batsman Najibullah Zadran as the vice-captain of 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.”

All-rounder @rashidkhan_19 has been appointed the T20I captain & @iamnajibzadran as V-captain. Rashid, one of the well-known global faces of the game, was selected by senior ACB leadership led by ACB Chairman @Farhan_YusEfzai

More: https://t.co/cmIU8G4C02 pic.twitter.com/s1WsoKva6m

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) July 6, 2021

Notably, Rashid Khan, who is a regular face for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) currently, had earlier declined Afghanistan’s T20I captaincy offer, while stating that he believes he is more valuable as a player than as a leader.

Back in 2019, the 22-year-old was named captain across format in July but after Afghanistan’s loss to West Indies in a one-off Test and ODI series, he was replaced by Asghar Afghan.

Talking about the appointment, Rashid took to Twitter to share his excitement for the new job and wrote:

“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 the trust & believing in me. It is a dream journey & my fans support will be the key.

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 the trust & believing in me. It is a dream journey & my fans support will be the key.

— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) July 6, 2021

The SRH spinner has so far played 51 T20Is, scalping 95 wickets. In the IPL, where he has regularly emerged as a leading spinner, the youngster has picked 85 wickets in 69 matches.

Afghanistan has been clubbed with England, India and South Africa in group B for the T20 World Cup 2021. The remaining two teams will be chosen from the Qualifiers.