The Future Tours Programme (FTP) calendar only includes sporadic international cricket for them, so franchise cricket has been a blessing for players like Rashid and Mohammad Nabi who have become sought-after names in those leagues.
Most Afghanistan players have found it easier to adjust to the lack of international cricket thanks to their appearances in Twenty20 leagues around the world, according to star spinner Rashid Khan.
Since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan last year, nearly two dozen players have relocated their bases to the United Arab Emirates in order to prevent travel complications. Due to the Taliban rulers’ opposition to women’s cricket, a number of sponsors have withdrawn, and Afghanistan’s status as a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) has occasionally been in question. The Future Tours Programme (FTP) calendar only includes sporadic international cricket for them, so franchise cricket has been a blessing for players like Rashid and Mohammad Nabi who have become sought-after names in those leagues.
“We don’t play a lot of longer format cricket,” Rashid told reporters ahead of Tuesday’s Asia Cup contest against Bangladesh in Sharjah.
“It is about the FTP, and not in the players’ hands. We want to play a lot of international cricket, so that our youngsters can understand the environment to improve their skills.
“Since we play a lot of international leagues, it gives us the opportunity to learn from the best players. “We bring that experience to the international team. We share that with the rest of the team. “It was evident in their performance as Afghanistan humiliated Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the opening game of the tournament on Saturday..
Rashid Khan has always expressed that international cricket will be their number one priority , said Rashid. “If there’s international duty, you have to be present. It is always first priority. “We are hopeful of playing more international games in the coming years.”
It is extremely unfortunate that such a promising natin in the world of cricket has to wait for long before they can play some international cricket and their top talents have to rely on the franchise leagues to show their prowess and talent, their country is slowly climbing up the ranks and their need for international cricket increases as they want to improve and showcase to the world what they are truly capable of.
