T20WC: Rashid Khan Steps Down As A captain

In a shocking decision, Rashid Khan stepped down as the captain of the Afghanistan team on Thursday. He said his opinion was not sought before finalising the national squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board named Rashid as the captain and veteran wicket-keeper Mohammad Shahzad was also included in the 15-member squad for the WC. “As the captain and responsible person for the nation I reserve the right to be part of the selection of the team,” the 22-year-old spinner said in a post shared on his Twitter handle.

“The selection committee and ACB has not obtained my consent for the team which has been announced by ACB media. “I am taking the decision of stepping down from the role as the captain of Afghanistan T20 side effective immediately. It’s always my proud playing for Afghanistan.”

Ever since the Taliban seized power, Afghanistan has been in turmoil. Cricket Australia voiced their decision that it will not host the Afghanistan men’s team next month if women are not allowed to play the game under Taliban rule.

The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in the UAE from October 17 to November 14. Afghanistan has been teamed alongside India, New Zealand and Pakistan in Group 2 of the Super 12 phase. These four teams will be joined by two qualifiers from the first round, with another six teams being