Rashid Latif controversially claimed Rashid Khan is greater than Wasim Akram due to Khan’s impact on Afghanistan cricket. Latif later apologized for the statement. Afghanistan prepares for the Champions Trophy amid concerns over the injury of spinner AM Ghazanfar, who is ruled out for four months.
Rashid Latif, a former captain of Pakistan, created quite a stir by declaring that Afghanistan’s cricket star Rashid Khan is “greater” than the legendary Wasim Akram. He based his assertion on the significant impact Khan has had on Afghanistan’s cricketing status, highlighting Khan’s record as T20 cricket’s highest wicket-taker with 634 wickets. Latif subsequently apologized, realizing the weight of his statement.
While acknowledging Rashid Khan’s contributions in elevating Afghanistan’s cricket profile, Latif suggested that Khan focus on enhancing the Afghan Test team, recommending, “Improve your test team and play more Test matches against Pakistan.” Khan has participated in 213 international matches since his debut in 2015 and continues to be pivotal for Afghan cricket.
As Afghanistan prepares for the upcoming Champions Trophy, following a remarkable journey in the 2023 ODI World Cup, they are keen on replicating their success. The tournament starts on February 21, with Afghanistan facing South Africa in Karachi, and subsequent matches against England and Australia. However, the team faces a setback as spinner AM Ghazanfar has been ruled out due to a lower back fracture sustained during a tour to Zimbabwe.
Following this injury, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced, “AM Ghazanfar has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy due to a fracture in the L4 vertebra… He sustained the injury during Afghanistan’s recent tour of Zimbabwe and will be sidelined for a minimum of four months.” This news comes as a blow to the squad already gearing up for their next competitive encounter in the Champions Trophy.
The selected squad for the Champions Trophy includes Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain), along with notable players such as Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. As the team gears for this prestigious event, all eyes will be on how they adapt without Ghazanfar and maximize their potential against tough opponents.
Rashid Latif’s controversial statement comparing Rashid Khan to Wasim Akram sparked discussion in the cricket community, followed by an apology acknowledging its weight. He emphasized Khan’s role in elevating Afghanistan’s cricket status and advised focusing on Test matches. As Afghanistan gears up for the Champions Trophy, they must cope with the injury setback to AM Ghazanfar, while the squad remains determined to make a mark in the tournament.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
