Cricket-Rashid named Afghanistan T20 captain ahead of World Cup

Afghanistan have named star spinner Rashid Khan as their 20-overs captain three months before this year's Twenty20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Asghar Afghan was removed as Afghanistan's all-format captain last month with top-order batsman Hashmat Shahidi put in charge of their test and ODI teams. Rashid has established himself as a Twenty20 stalwart and is a familiar face in franchise cricket in India, England, Australia, Pakistan and West Indies.

Afghanistan has named star spinner Rashid Khan as their 20-overs captain three months before this year's Twenty20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Middle-order batsman Najibullah Zadran would be Rashid's deputy, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said in a statement on Tuesday.

"Rashid, one of the well-known global faces of the game, was selected ... for the role considering his experience, brilliant performance as well as leadership skills with the national team over the years," the ACB said. Asghar Afghan was removed as Afghanistan's all-format captain last month with top-order batsman Hashmat Shahidi put in charge of their test and ODI teams.

Rashid has established himself as a Twenty20 stalwart and is a familiar face in franchise cricket in India, England, Australia, Pakistan, and West Indies. "I'm a great believer that a captain is as good as his team," tweeted the 22-year-old, who had a three-month stint as Afghanistan captain in 2019.

"Thank you @ACBofficials for the trust & believing in me. It is a dream journey & my fan's support will be the key," he said. The Twenty20 World Cup will be played in the UAE from Oct. 17 to Nov. 14 with Oman hosting some of the early round matches.