KABUL (Pajhwok): Master leg-spinner Rashid Khan says cricket has “changed everything” in the country over the last few years and nothing brings a smile to people as a good display by their national team.
In an interview released on Tuesday, the spin sensation said Afghanistan had given people back home something to smile about.
“It feels good. People back home love cricket,” he said in the panel interview, according to the Cricinfo website. “It has changed everything in the country in the last five-six years. The young generation … everyone’s following cricket, they love it. It means a lot that Afghanistan is participating in the World Cup.
The Afghan players tried give 100 percent in each and every competition, he said, adding the team did their best to give something to the fans.
“We — me, (Mohammad) Nabi, Mujeeb (Ur Rehman) — just try and give our best in each and every game. The World Cup will be a good experience. Can’t wait for it.”
Like the meteoric rise of Afghanistan as a force in the sport, Khan was ranked No.1 in the MRF Tyres T20I Bowlers’ rankings, No.1 in ODI all-rounders’ charts and No.2 in the ODI bowlers’ rankings.
He has been in demand for various T20 franchises the world over. The side-effect is that he spends a long time away from home every year. It can be hard, but he gets by with good support from the family.
“They are just watching it, it doesn’t matter whatever the time is back home in Afghanistan,” he said. “Everyone gets together and watches in one room. It feels really good and special, having good support from the family. They just keep following me.
“When I was playing in the West Indies and the time difference was too much – matches were starting at 3am in Afghanistan – my mom was waking up and watching my game and praying for me. That is really special for me.
“Before the game, she was telling me not to worry, just go there and enjoy yourself. Our support is with you. That gives you a lot of energy and motivation. It’s needed as a player.”
sa/mud
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