Turmoil In Afghanistan Cricket Board Despite Last-Minute Change Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2021

Things are not looking good for Afghanistan cricket as there has been a lot of confusion after the announcement of the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2021. Allegedly Taliban-appointed new acting chairman of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), Azizullah Fazli, has arranged the selection of some ‘unfit and indisciplined seniors’ which is being told as the main reason behind Rashid Khan stepping down as captain.

All-rounder Mohammad Nabi was handed over the captaincy responsibility after Rashid stepped down from his role.

It was revealed by an Afghanistan Cricket Board ( ACB) spokesperson that Rashid Khan was disappointed with the squad selection after several old players were picked which led to him leaving the captaincy. Also the 22-year-old was angry that fitness, performance, and discipline were not considered while selection. Some members of management feel that Rashid not taking captaincy was justified.

Rashid was angry that why selection criteria: Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) spokesperson

“He [Rashid] was not happy with the squad because too many old guys have been picked. When he saw the squad, he was angry and he stepped down,” an ACB spokesperson told Cricbuzz.

“Now he will not lead the side. All this happened within a few hours, the announcement of the squad, stepping down of Rashid, and appointment of Mohammed Nabi as the new captain. Our acting chairman did all things forcefully. Rashid was angry that why selection criteria of fitness, performance, and discipline were not considered.”

Just a few minutes after the announcement, Rashid Khan came up with a tweet stating that the selection committee and Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) did not take his ‘consent’ before announcing the squad for T20 World Cup 2021 which will be played in UAE and Oman.

“As the captain and responsible person for the nation, I reserve the right to be part of the selection of the team. The selection committee and ACB has not obtained my consent for the team which has been announced by ACB media,” Rashid said in a statement on Twitter.

“I am taking the decision of stepping down from the role as the captain of Afghanistan T20 side effective immediately. It’s Always my proud playing for Afghanistan,” he added.

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— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) September 9, 2021

The ACB spokesperson also confirmed that Mohammad Nabi has accepted the captaincy. Notably, Nabi took Twitter to announce that he will take the responsibility of leading the team in the T20 World Cup 2021.

 “At this critical stage, I admire the decision of the ACB for the announcement of leading the National Cricket Team in T20 Format. Insha Allah together we will present a great picture of the Nation in the upcoming T20 WC,” Mohammad Nabi.

At this critical stage, I admire the decision of ACB for the announcement of leading the National Cricket Team in T20 Format. InshaAllah together we will present a great picture of the Nation in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

— Mohammad Nabi (@MohammadNabi007) September 9, 2021

Notably, Afghanistan is placed in Group 2 of the tournament alongside India, Pakistan, and New Zealand. They will start their campaign against a qualifying team in Sharjah on October 25.

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