An emotional Rashid Khan has pledged to play the entire 2018-19 season of the Big Bash League (BBL) for the Adelaide Strikers despite the recent passing away of his father back home in Afghanistan.
The star Afghanistan leg-spinner was given the unfortunate news of his father’s demise just hours before Strikers’ New Year’s Eve clash against Sydney Thunder but showed immense bravery by still choosing to play.
On Friday, the spin prodigy starred again for the Strikers in their 32-run win over Melbourne Renegades with figures of 1-18 from his four overs. Following the win, the 20-year-old revealed that his extended family had given him full support to play out the complete BBL season.
“In this situation, my family has really supported me … Especially my mum, my brothers, my nephews. They were encouraging me a lot from back home,” Rashid was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
“They were calling me again and again. They were like, ‘you have to be there, you have to play for us, you have to play for your Dad. We can see you’re sad, you’re alone there, you’re (a long way) from home’.
“That’s how their motivation helped to stay here and play for the Strikers.”
I lost my father at a very critical time. I always wanted him to see me play @cricketworldcup. He is not with me however the love & support of my family, friends & fans was tremendous.Many thanks for all supporting messages & calls. Plz keep my father in your 🤲🏼#IMISSYOuDAD 😢
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) January 4, 2019
Rashid also admitted that the support he has received from the Adelaide Strikers family as well as his Afghanistan team-mate Mohammad Nabi had helped him through the testing times.
“I spoke with him (Nabi) a lot. He said, ‘it’s life – someone will go, someone will come. We all will go one day. It’s not like we will be here for all of time’,” Rashid revealed.
“The way the team, my captain, my coaches, my management – the way they (supported) me has been great.
“They were in my room until late (after the New Year’s Eve game), encouraging me. I really love that – that kept me alive there … They were coming to me and hugging me,” he continued.
The Afghanistan sensation also revealed that he had turned down an offer to play in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) to extend his stint in the BBL.
“I was approached as well to go there (BPL) but I always preferred myself to go to Big Bash. I love it. I love being here. It’s absolutely different conditions for you as a bowler,” said Rashid.
“The T20 World Cup is here, it’s good preparation for us, for me as well, to be well prepared for the World Cup,” he added.
In five BBL matches so far this season for the Strikers, the leg-spinner has picked up a total of eight wickets. The Afghan star will next be in action on Sunday when the Strikers take on Sydney Sixers.
