Afghanistan has certainly produced world-class spinners during its rise to full member status over the past decade, it’s their batters that are starting to make a name for themselves on the global stage. Their superstar leggie believes it’s Afghanistan’s top-order batters that deserve a chance in this year’s Big Bash.
The league has received nominations from 27 Afghan players for Sunday’s KFC BBL|12 Draft with spinners Rashid (Adelaide Strikers), Qais Ahmad (Melbourne Stars), Nabi (Melbourne Renegades), Mujeeb (Brisbane Heat) and Zahir Khan (Melbourne Renegades) eligible for retention having played last season.
And Rashid is adamant they have the talent and the skills, and all they need is the opportunity.
“I would be happier to see the batsmen rather than the bowlers. We have so many bowlers playing all around the world, but I would be so happy if our batsman took that responsibility to play in all the leagues.
“That might help them improve their cricket and it’d be a very good thing for Afghanistan cricket.
“Once they get that opportunity, they have performed really well in the past when some players have played in the PSL (Pakistan Super League).
“If they get that proper opportunity, they can show to the world how good they are. They are very destructive batters, especially in the short format,” said Rashid.
“They’ve done so well so far and if they get the opportunity, I’m pretty sure they’re going to deliver their best.”
“I’m so excited we’re going to see the Afghan players in the draft and hopefully they will be picked in different teams where they can express their talent, get the opportunity to learn more and get better and better,” Rashid Khan concludes.
Afghanistan BBL|12 Draft nominations
Eligible for retention: Rashid Khan (Adelaide Strikers), Qais Ahmad (Melbourne Stars), Mohammad Nabi (Melbourne Renegades), Mujeeb ur Rahman (Brisbane Heat), Zahir Khan (Melbourne Renegades)
Other nominees: Noor Ahmad, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Zia ur Rehman, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Shafiqullah Ghafari, Usman Ghani, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hamid Hassan, Hamza Hotak, Waqarullah Ishaq, Nangeyalia Kharote, Izharulhaq Naveed, Azmatullah Omarzai, Abdul Rahman Rahmani, Waqar Salamkheil, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Mohammad Shahzad, Naveen-ul-haq Murid, Ghamai Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai
