IPL 2017: Rashid Khan dreams to play Test cricket for Afghanistan

Afghanistan sensation Rashid Khan has witnessed unexpected stardom in last few months, especially after since he came into the auction  and turned out to be a hot property among teams, eventually being bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for the 10th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite the glamour and stardom which he has earned, the leg-spinner dreams of representing Afghanistan xricket Team in Test cricket. The dream can only be turned into reality after ICC gives the Test status to Afghanistan, who have been a rising force among the Associate nations in international cricket. FULL CRICKET UPDATES: SRH vs MI, Match 48

“Any cricketer has one ultimate dream. To do well in Test cricket for his country. By the grace of Almighty, we would soon be playing Test cricket. I am just waiting for that day when I will be playing Test cricket for Afghanistan. For me, success in Test cricket will define me as a cricketer,” the soft-spoken Rashid told PTI.

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Being a player from an Associate nation, Rashid has impressed everyone with his clever bowling. He has scalped 13 wickets so far in the tournament for SRH in 11 matches at 22.38. He came into limelight when he was auctioned for whopping INR 4.5 crore and it seems, Rashid has proved his worth. “It’s been like a dream for me. Playing in the IPL with so many stalwarts. More importantly being able to hold my own and perform for the team. Our coach Tom Moody has been constantly telling me that self belief is key to success. I have always had faith in my abilities and it’s paying off,” the 19-year-old, who has played 26 ODIs and 24 T20 Internationals for his country.

Talking about his favourite wicket in his debut IPL season, Rashid said, “David Miller would be top in my list followed by Brendon McCullum and Rohit Sharma. All three were foxed by googlies and are the best in the business.”

Rashid further opened up on the compliments he received from his captain David Warner and added, “Warner told me that I will always be a dangerous bowler because of my high-arm action. This is something natural and he believes that it will continue to give me success.”

After the IPL, Afghanistan will play against West Indies in the Caribbean, which will be their second bilateral series against a full member side. “Right after IPL, Afghanistan will be playing West Indies in a series. From here, I would be leaving for the Caribbean islands to play a limited-overs (series) with three T20 matches. Playing T20 Internationals in Caribbean will be an experience,” Rashid expressed.

Rashid is also hopeful of franchises around the globe in different T20 leagues will now be more interested in him after IPL. “I haven’t got any offers from any other T20 franchises but hopefully I will be able to play tournaments like Big Bash and NatWest T20 Blast. It will only help me improve my game,” added Rashid.

Rashid has been out of Afghanistan since a long time. Before IPL, he was playing in UAE in Desert T20 tournament, followed by a bilateral series in Zimbabwe and then in India against Ireland. Looking at his past few months life, Rashid considers himself a traveller and tries to be a bit poetic with his words by saying, “I have not been back home for four months. Musafir ki tarah zindagi hai (Leading a nomadic life). I have been living out of suitcase, playing at Greater Noida (vs Ireland) and then in Zimbabwe and now IPL. People in my country are happy. I get a lot of positive feedback from people of Afghanistan which makes me feel good.”

Last but not the least, Rashid ended the conversation on a very interesting note by making a funny comment about life and said, “Allah ka diya sab kuch hai humare paas. Ghar bhi aur car bhi (By God’s grace I have a house and a car). Once I go back home, I will discuss with my family as to how to utilise the money.”