Afghanistan, a nation often besieged by severe conditions and turbulent political turmoil, struggles with the most basic necessities amidst relentless pressure and attacks. Yet, in the midst of this unfortunate state, one respite shines brightly for the Afghan people: cricket. Afghanistan’s meteoric rise in this sport is a love story seemingly penned by divine hands, a narrative that transcends the boundaries of the sporting world, symbolizing hope itself.
At the heart of this extraordinary journey is a figure we cricket enthusiasts revere: Rashid Khan. More than a catalyst for change, he has been the cornerstone of Afghanistan’s transformation into a cricketing powerhouse. Rashid’s tale is one of resilience and triumph, embodying the belief that hard work and talent, coupled with skill, will ultimately claim their rightful place, regardless of any physical or societal disadvantages.
Rashid Khan, the leg-spinning maestro, stands as a beacon of inspiration, igniting the dreams of millions. He has not only elevated Afghan cricket but also gifted his grief-stricken compatriots with moments of pure joy and exhilaration. His career is a testament to the enduring human spirit, proving that amidst adversity, brilliance can flourish and uplift an entire nation.
RASHID KHAN FACT FILE:Full Name Rashid Khan Arman Nickname Kalamati Khan Birthplace Nangarhar, Afghanistan Residence Nangarhar, Afghanistan Date of Birth September 20, 1998 Height 5’9” (1.75m) Role Bowling Allrounder
Net Worth₹30 crore ($4 million)
RASHID’S JOURNEY FROM NANGARHAR TO GLOBAL FAME
When it comes to modern cricket, few names have captured the imagination and respect of fans and experts alike as Rashid Khan. Hailing from Afghanistan, Rashid’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. Known for his lethal leg-spin bowling and impactful batting lower down the order, Rashid has carved a niche for himself in international cricket. As of 2024, his net worth, earnings, real estate holdings, and career achievements reflect his status as one of the game’s premier players.
Rashid Khan was born on September 20, 1998, in Nangarhar, Afghanistan, a region often associated with conflict and turmoil. However, Rashid’s story is one of triumph over adversity. Growing up in a large family with ten siblings, he found solace and passion in cricket. Rashid started playing cricket at a young age. His family relocated to Pakistan during his childhood due to the ongoing war in Afghanistan, where Rashid further honed his cricketing skills.
Rashid Khan’s journey to international stardom began in the domestic circuit. His performances in Afghanistan’s domestic tournaments caught the eyes of selectors, and he made his debut for the national team at just 17 years old. His debut match in 2015 against Zimbabwe marked the beginning of a career that would soon see him become a global cricketing icon.
RASHID KHAN’S RISE AS CRICKET ICON
Rashid’s exceptional talent was quickly recognized by franchises around the world. He was snapped up by the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2017. Rashid Khan and the IPL is a match made in heaven. Known for his unique bowling style, Rashid delivers at a flatter trajectory compared to other leg spinners, combining pace and precision. His deceptive action makes it challenging for batsmen to discern whether the ball will be a traditional leg spin, a googly, or go straight without spinning. Consequently, teams often adopt a defensive strategy, aiming to merely survive his four-over quota. However, Rashid possesses an uncanny knack for taking wickets.
Adding to his bowling prowess is his ability with the bat. Lower down the order, Rashid’s boundary-hitting capabilities make him a complete T20 package. He strikes at an impressive rate of almost 160, having hit nearly 40 sixes in the tournament. His quick fire cameos have become a valuable asset to his teams.
In 121 IPL matches, Rashid has claimed 149 wickets at an average of 21.83. Remarkably, his economy rate stands at 6.82, a golden statistic in the increasingly batting-friendly T20 format. Rashid continues to be an integral part of the Gujarat setup, contributing significantly to their success. His performances in the IPL, characterized by his ability to bowl economical spells and take crucial wickets, cemented his reputation as one of the best T20 bowlers in the world. Rashid’s exceptional talent was quickly recognized by franchises around the world. Rashid’s impact was not limited to the IPL; he also played in other T20 leagues, including the Big Bash League (BBL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
RASHID KHAN: CAREER IN NUMBERS
Rashid Khan’s international career has been nothing short of phenomenal. His bowling stats across all formats underscore his dominance:Format Matches Innings Balls Wickets Average Eco 5w Test 5 9 1,534 34 22.35 2.97 4 ODI 103 98 5,300 183 20.48 4.24 4 T20I 93 93 2,120 152 14.14 6.08 2 IPL 121 121 2,859 149 21.83 6.82 0
Rashid’s prowess is not limited to his bowling. His ability to contribute with the bat has also been crucial for Afghanistan in crunch situations.
RECORDS AND ACCOLADES
1. Fastest to 100 wickets in ODIs in terms of time (2 years and 158 days).
2. Youngest to captain a Test side.
3. Leading wicket-taker in T20Is.
4. Rashid Khan holds the record for the best bowling figures by an associate nation player in One Day Internationals, achieved in 2017 against the West Indies.
5. He is the youngest player to reach the top spot in the ICC T20I bowlers rankings.
6. Rashid holds the record for the fastest to reach 50 wickets in T20 Internationals, accomplishing this in just 2 years and 220 days.
7. He is one of the few players to have taken 4 wickets in 4 consecutive balls.
8. Rashid Khan is the first Afghan bowler to achieve both a 5-wicket haul and a 10-wicket haul in Test matches.
9. Rashid Khan holds the record for the first-ever hat-trick in the Caribbean Premier League.
10. He is the joint-quickest spin bowler to achieve 100 IPL wickets, sharing this feat with Amit Mishra.
11. Rashid Khan is one of the four bowlers worldwide to claim over 450 wickets in T20 cricket, including T20 Internationals and franchise cricket.
12. Rashid boasts the second-best career bowling average in ODI cricket, with an impressive 18.65.
13. Rashid Khan holds the record for the best bowling figures by an associate nation player in One Day Internationals, achieved in 2017 against the West Indies.
14. ICC Associate Cricketer of the Year (2017, 2018).
15. Featured in ICC’s T20 team of the decade.
16. He was named ‘ICC Men’s Player of the Decade 2011-2020′.
RASHID KHAN’S EARNINGS AND NET WORTH
As of 2024, Rashid Khan’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million (30 crore).
On-Field Earnings:
Rashid Khan’s illustrious career has seen him represent a myriad of domestic teams across various cricket leagues globally. He has played for Afghanistan and Afghanistan U19, showcasing his skills from a young age. His international journey has taken him to teams such as the Comilla Victorians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Guyana Amazon Warriors, and Adelaide Strikers. He has also been a key player for the Quetta Gladiators, World XI, Sussex, and Kabul Zwanan. Rashid’s versatility and prowess have led him to represent Durban Heat, Maratha Arabians, and Rotterdam Rhinos.
Additionally, he has been part of the Asia XI, Barbados Royals, Lahore Qalandars, Trent Rockets, and Gujarat Titans. His talent has shone through with the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, MI Cape Town, New York Strikers, and MI Emirates. Rashid Khan’s journey through these diverse teams highlights his exceptional cricketing skills and his ability to adapt and excel in various conditions worldwide.
IPL EARNINGS:
Rashid’s association with the IPL has been financially rewarding. His consistent performances have ensured that he remains one of the highest-paid players in the league. His IPL earnings over the years are as follows:
– 2017: ₹4 crore
– 2018: ₹9 crore
– 2019: ₹9 crore
– 2020: ₹9 crore
– 2021: ₹9 crore
– 2022: ₹9 crore
– 2023: ₹10 crore
– 2024: ₹11 crore
Rashid’s participation in leagues such as the BBL, CPL, and PSL also adds substantially to his income. His contracts in these leagues, along with performance bonuses and match fees, contribute to his impressive earnings.
ENDORSEMENTS
Rashid Khan’s marketability extends beyond the cricket field. He has been associated with several high-profile brands, further boosting his income. Some of his notable endorsements include:
- Monster Energy
- SG
- Etisalat Afghanistan
- SportsBaazi
- Puma
- PAYNTR Cricket
- LevelUp11
These endorsements, combined with his on-field earnings, significantly enhance Rashid’s overall net worth.
RASHID KHAN’S REAL ESTATE
Rashid Khan’s success on the cricket field has enabled him to invest in real estate, both in Afghanistan and abroad. His real estate portfolio is diverse and reflects his financial acumen.
Rashid owns several properties in Afghanistan, including a luxurious house in Kabul. This property is a testament to his success and provides a comfortable living space for him and his family.
Rashid has also invested in real estate outside Afghanistan. He owns an apartment in Dubai, a city he frequents due to its proximity to Afghanistan and its role as a cricketing hub. This property serves as both an investment and a convenient residence during his travels for cricketing assignments and endorsements.
Rashid Khan’s impact on Afghan cricket cannot be overstated. He has been instrumental in putting Afghanistan on the global cricketing map. His performances have inspired countless young cricketers in Afghanistan to pursue the sport professionally. Rashid’s success story is a beacon of hope for a country often plagued by adversity.
Rashid Khan’s car collection includes a Land Rover Vogue and a Toyota Fortuner. Demonstrating his generosity, he auctioned his most expensive car, a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, in February 2020 to raise funds for the victims of the Australian bushfires.
IS RASHID KHAN A PHILANTHROPIST?
Rashid Khan is not just a cricketing hero but also a humanitarian. Rashid Khan announced the launch of his clothing brand, RK19, which operates as an e-commerce platform. He pledged that 5% of the profits from every item sold would go to the Rashid Khan Foundation.
In 2018, Rashid established his charity foundation in Afghanistan with the goal of providing health and education to orphans and impoverished children. The foundation is active on multiple social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter.
In 2019, Rashid was named UNICEF Afghanistan’s national brand ambassador. In this role, he helps promote girls’ education in Afghanistan, combat malnutrition, eradicate polio, and improve children’s immunity.
Rashid Khan’s achievements have earned him recognition and respect worldwide. He is considered one of the best T20 bowlers globally and is often compared to legends like Shane Warne and Anil Kumble. His ability to deliver under pressure and adapt to different conditions makes him a valuable asset to any team he represents.
FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT FOR RASHID
It would be fair to say that Rashid Khan is in his prime. He secured the IPL title with Gujarat in 2022 and has been a key figure in Afghanistan’s historic victories. In the 2023 50-over World Cup, Afghanistan triumphed over Pakistan and nearly secured a semi-final spot until a decisive innings from Glenn Maxwell dashed their hopes at Wankhede, Mumbai. However, they found redemption by defeating Bangladesh to clinch a semi-final spot in this year’s T20 World Cup, taking Australia’s place. This victory sparked widespread celebrations in Afghanistan, with videos showing people gathering on the streets, celebrating as if it were a personal triumph. Rashid has consistently been at the heart of Afghanistan cricket, driving its remarkable rise.
As of 2024, Rashid Khan’s career shows no signs of slowing down. His performances continue to be top-notch, and he remains a sought-after player in various T20 leagues. With age on his side, Rashid is expected to achieve even greater heights in the coming years.
