Afghanistan all-rounder Rashid Khan has opened up about the challenges he faced growing up in war-torn Afghanistan. Rashid stated that dealing with pressure on a cricket field feels insignificant compared to the real-life dangers and hardships his family faced during years of conflict in his country.
Afghanistan have steadily transformed from international minnows into a formidable side capable of challenging and defeating top teams. The team is preparing to face India in a three-match T20I series, with the opening fixture scheduled for at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Sunday, September 13.
Rashid Khan Opens Up on Growing Up in War-Torn Afghanistan
Speaking on The Parenting Pause podcast, Rashid Khan recalled the stories his parents shared about their struggles during the conflict. He said their experiences gave him a different perspective on pressure and helped him understand how fortunate he was to play cricket.
“Well, I think this cricket is just a normal thing, you know. And as I mentioned, what our parents have gone through, when they share their life experience with us, we are, like, you know, so blessed. This is nothing. This pressure is nothing. What we are doing in our life is nothing compared to what they have gone through. You know how it was in Afghanistan 30 years back, 35 years back, and in those days how our parents struggled in the war, like, you know, 40 years back," Rashid said.
“My mom and dad, they share their experience — how we went from this place to that place and how hard it was for them to go through all those things. So I was like, they have seen bullets going up in the air. For us to see a ball going up in the air, that is just easy. You know, it won't kill you, but that can kill you. So, to have that kind of mentality — it's just nothing, you just need to go for it — you can do it. You won't die. It's not something that you're going to die from. And you just need to have a strong mindset."
Rashid Khan Credits Parents for His Mental Strength
Rashid Khan also spoke about the influence his parents had on him while growing up. Khan added that he often compares his own difficult moments with the challenges his parents faced.
“And I feel it's all come from my parents. You know, what kind of mindset they had, how strong they were at that particular time, you know, to help and to raise your kids as well in having those kind of tough situations. I think they were the strongest, and I feel like we just got that mentality from our parents."
"And whenever facing any tough days, tough time, I just think about how tough that would have been. But they never let themselves down. So why should I let myself down with this pressure?"
Rashid Khan Sees Pressure as an Opportunity to Learn
Rashid Khan said that he carries those lessons with him whenever he finds himself in a difficult situation. He believes looking at the bigger picture can quickly change his approach to pressure.
“So I think it just all comes mentally, like, you know, to have those things in the mind, and then you become mentally stronger. So yeah, I think I feel I keep that with myself, and it just helps me in a tougher time. It just helps me, and everything just goes in seconds when I think about it. You put everything in perspective. Yeah. So nothing remains.
“It's just like, okay, there is a saying now, and they say that what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger.”
"It only teaches you and makes you stronger and gives you a better listener. So I think in a pressure situation, tough situation, you know, I'm so happy for that time because it's not only the pressure situation, it's just the best time for me to learn and to get the good experience and to become a better person, physically and mentally," he said.
Also read: Harshit Rana ruled out of Afghanistan T20Is; Jasprit Bumrah, Nitish Kumar Reddy set to make comeback
