02-07-2025
Afghan cricket team needs more matches, especially against top sides: Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan, captain of Afghanistan's T20 cricket team, has voiced concern over the limited number of international fixtures the national side has played—particularly against top-tier teams.
'We're not getting enough cricket as a nation to continue improving, especially against the big sides. Playing regularly against strong teams is what helps you grow,' Khan told Khaleej Times in an interview on Wednesday.
Highlighting the impact of past opportunities, Khan pointed to Afghanistan's strong performances in recent ICC tournaments. 'In the last 4–5 years, we've had more chances to play the big teams—but mainly in World Cups, not in bilateral series. You saw the results: we reached the semi-finals in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and had five or six wins in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. The more we play, the better we get,' he said.
Khan stressed the importance of bilateral series in building consistency and long-term success. 'If we get more bilateral opportunities, I truly believe we can be a team that wins a World Cup in the next 3–4 years.'
The Afghan cricket star made these remarks after being announced as the Brand Ambassador for MH Developers in Dubai.
Despite the national team's potential, Khan noted that Afghanistan hasn't played much international cricket in recent months. 'We haven't had a series in the past 4–5 months. Our players are busy with franchise leagues, but as a national team, we've been inactive,' said the leg-spin maestro.
Still, Khan remains optimistic about the country's cricketing future. 'We have a lot of talent back home, but what they need is opportunity. I don't doubt their ability. Once they play against top teams, they gain belief, and that's when performances start to improve.'
Afghanistan's last international appearance was in the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025.
Khan also emphasised the importance of domestic leagues, noting how they allow young players to gain exposure and experience. 'Countries with strong domestic leagues allow their young players to play alongside international stars for a month or two. That's how they grow. I hope we can build something similar in Afghanistan, where our young talent can gain experience and develop faster,' he concluded.
