“I am better off as a player” – Rashid Khan on not accepting T20 captaincy role for Afghanistan national team

Rashid Khan

Afghan leg-spinner Rashid Khan recently revealed why he declined the offer of taking up the T20I captaincy for the national side. He stated that leadership might affect his game as he’s quite satisfied with the position of vice-captain.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) made yet another change at the captaincy level as Asghar Afghan wasn’t given an extension after his second stint as the skipper came to an end. Currently, the apex body named Hashmatullah Shahidi as their Test and ODI skipper while the T20I captain is yet to be announced.

In a recent interaction with ESPNcricinfo, the 22-year old reckoned that he will assist the captain whenever his services are required.

“I am very much clear in my mind that I am better off as a player. I am good in the role as vice-captain and help the captain wherever I am needed. It’s better for me that I stay away from this position. I want to do well for the team as a player and my performance is a bit more crucial for the team rather than me thinking about different things being a captain,” Rashid told ESPNCricinfo.

‘The most important thing for me is the World Cup’

Rashid Khan: Afghanistan’s one of the most crucial players

The ace bowler stated that he’s currently shifted his focus entirely to the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. Rashid mentioned that the captaincy role will be too much for him ahead of the all-important much-awaited tournament.

“Also, it takes time, and right now the most important thing is the World Cup which is quite near and I feel it is too much for me to have. I am afraid it might affect my performance for the team which is a key so I am very happy as a player and whatever the decision board and selection committee make I am fully behind it and will appreciate it,” Rashid added.

“I was the captain once and they [board] know my mindset and which is why they kept the spot empty looking for someone else while I stay as a vice-captain,” said Rashid.

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