Rashid's move follows ACB's decision to pull out of the upcoming tri-nation T20I series in Pakistan.
Afghanistan T20I skipper Rashid Khan has removed the name of Lahore Qalandars from his X (formerly Twitter) bio, objecting to Pakistani airstrikes that killed Afghan civilians, including three young cricketers.
The move follows Afghanistan Cricket Board’s decision to pull out of the upcoming tri-nation T20I series in Lahore, involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Previously, Rashid’s X bio had listed all major teams he represents across the world, including the Afghanistan national team, Gujarat Titans (IPL), Adelaide Strikers (BBL), and Lahore Qalandars (PSL).
However, the leg-spinner has now taken Lahore Qalandars out of the list, leaving only the IPL and BBL teams alongside his national side.
Rashid’s decision to remove the PSL team shortly after he condemned the killing of three young cricketers and several civilians in Pakistani airstrikes, calling it a grave violation of human rights and welcomed ACB’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming fixtures against Pakistan.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan — a tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage,” Rashid wrote on X.
“These unjust and unlawful actions represent a grave violation of human rights and must not go unnoticed. In light of the precious innocent souls lost, I welcome the ACB's decision to withdraw from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan. I stand with our people at this difficult time — our national dignity must come before all else,” he added.
Other Afghan cricketers like Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mohammad Nabi also condemned the attack, calling it an “unforgivable crime” and “a tragedy for the entire Afghan cricket family.”
The international cricket fraternity has stood in solidarity with the Afghan cricketers and board. The BCCI and ICC on Saturday issued separate statements to mourn the death of Afghan cricketers in Pakistan’s recent airstrikes.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has begun discussions with Zimbabwe, Nepal, and the UAE to seek a replacement team for Afghanistan in the tri-series.