Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan declined the T20I captaincy saying he is more valuable as a player than as a leader for the national team, as he is “happy” with his role as Afghanistan’s vice-captain in the shortest format of the game.
With the upcoming T20 World Cup 2021 around the corner, the spinner said he simply could not let the leadership responsibilities affect his performance.
Recently, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) named Hashmatullah Shahidi as the new Test and ODI captain of the side with Rahmat Shah being his deputy. The ACB also announced Rashid Khan as the new vice-captain of the Afghanistan T20I side, but yet to announce the captain.
Rashid told ESPNcricinfo: “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.”
The 22-year-old continued, “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.
If you have a year or two, you manage yourself and understand things only then it's easier to deal with the role. 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.”
He also insisted that the change in captaincy will not affect the Afghanistan team or players as everyone knows about their respective roles and eventually, togetherness is all above other things.
(ESPNCricinfo inputs)
