'Natural Talent,' Rashid Khan Lauds Afghanistan's Resilience In WC 2023

image-lotof67lAFG won four matches in WC 2023 (AP Photo)

Afghanistan has been the find of the tournament in the ICC Mens Cricket World Cup 2023. After India, they emerged as the second-best Asian side in terms of overall performance. Not only that, the Afghans stayed in semi-final contention till their very last league game but failed to cross the finish line by the barest of margin. 

Nevertheless, the Hashmatullah Shahid-led squad will return home with their heads held high. Their campaign has been nothing short of extraordinary, and each and every player must be feeling proud of the fact that they made it thus far.

As Afghanistan concluded their exceptional CWC 2023 campaign, spin wizard Rashid Khan shed light on the team's struggles and how the boys overcame unprecedented challenges to dominate the world stage.

In an exclusive interview with ICC, Rashid Khan remarked that, unlike major sporting nations, Afghanistan is not equipped with basic amenities back home. Facilities such as proper training academies, cricket grounds and coaching centres are almost non-existent. 

All a budding cricketer has is passion to thrive and natural talent to explore. Rashid further revealed that Afghanistan cricketers learn and improve to match the international cricketing standards once they crack into the national side. A few players also turn to franchise cricket for necessary exposure. 

But at the end of the day, it's the burning desire to meet those standards that sets Afghanistan apart from the masses. Rashid Khan concluded his conversation with ICC by stating how proud and fortunate he feels to witness the rise of Afghanistan in international cricket. 

Undoubtedly, Afghanistan has come a long way. After political instability and nature's fury destroyed their land, the mutual love for cricket brought them together. 

That being said, the struggle has just begun for Afghanistan. They must build a robust domestic system back home to encourage budding talent. To aid that vision, they require the unwavering support of major cricketing nations. 

India has done its part in the past by investing a large chunk of money in Afghanistan cricket. But with its standards levelling up with each passing major tournament, more nations must join hands for the betterment of the future of Afghanistan cricket.