Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Rashid Khan puts a positive spin on Afghan World Cup bid

Afghanistan are making steady progress as a young cricketing nation and can boast a true star in Rashid Khan, whom they hope will to take them to the next level.

The 20-year-old, who is top of the Twenty20 world rankings, will be a key weapon in the World Cup in England and Wales.


Afghanistan can also boast 18-year-old spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman in their ranks but Rashid is regarded as the most important bowler in Test, one-day international and T20 cricket.

As well as topping the T20 charts, Nangarhar-born Rashid has climbed to third place in the ODI rankings since he made his debut soon after his 17th birthday.

He has developed an enviable ability to take wickets because he is not afraid of being hit -- a trait he picked up while playing Twenty20 cricket in India, Australia and England.

Although he does not turn the ball much, he has an ability to read batsmen's minds with his sharp thinking.

Rashid took 43 wickets in 16 ODIs in 2017, second only to Pakistan's Hasan Ali, before topping the 2018 charts with 48 scalps in 20 matches.

The bowler achieved the feat of being the fastest to 100 ODI wickets, reaching the landmark in 44 matches, beating Australian paceman Mitchell Starc's record by an eight-match margin.

Afghanistan coach Phil Simmons acknowledges Rashid's importance as a bowler.

"Rashid... has got the mind of a 30-year-old. He knows exactly what is expected of him," Simmons said.

Former captain Asghar Afghan, who was recently controversially replaced as skipper by Gulbadin Naib, made Rashid his go-to bowler.

He took 10 wickets -- joint highest with India's Kuldeep Yadav and Bangladesh's Mustafizur Rahman in the 2018 Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

"Rashid is our main bowler and he will be an asset in the World Cup, a true game changer and he knows his responsibilities," Asghar said after the Asia Cup. "We have sounded warning bells for teams in the World Cup."

Rashid is confident he can make the difference for Afghanistan.

"To be the best you need to believe in your skills," he said. “How we played in the Asia Cup was totally different and we showed that we can beat any side.

"The only thing is to believe in your skills. Just to be relaxed in big matches and enjoy your game, that’s how we should be in the World Cup."

More For You

Alcaraz &  Djokovic

Djokovic (L) and Alcaraz embrace during practice prior to The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 26.

Getty

Wimbledon 2025: Alcaraz eyes third straight title as Sinner, Djokovic lead challenge

CARLOS ALCARAZ will look to win his third consecutive Wimbledon title this year, reinforcing his position as the leading player on all surfaces. Jannik Sinner, who lost to Alcaraz in a closely fought French Open final, heads to London hoping to reverse the result.

Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic will also be in contention. At 38, this could be his best chance to win a record 25th Grand Slam title. Djokovic lost the last two Wimbledon finals to Alcaraz and will aim to reclaim the trophy at the All England Club.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rugby Premier League

The Rugby Premier League (RPL) features six franchises and brings together top players from the World Sevens circuit with Indian players. (Photo: Rugby Premier League India)

Rugby Premier League India

Rugby Premier League aims to revive Indian rugby through new sevens league

NEARLY 150 years after the closure of the Calcutta Football Club led to the creation of rugby's oldest international trophy, a new sevens-format league has been launched this month to help revive the sport in India.

The Rugby Premier League (RPL) features six franchises and brings together top players from the World Sevens circuit with Indian players. The tournament follows rule variations suited to television broadcasts.

Keep ReadingShow less
David Beckham

Beckham’s arm surgery linked to an old injury from a 2003 football match

Getty Images

David Beckham hospitalised for arm surgery after years of pain from old football injury

Quick highlights:

  • David Beckham had surgery on his right arm following years of discomfort from a 2003 injury.
  • Victoria Beckham posted a hospital photo with the caption “Get well soon Daddy.”
  • Doctors removed a pin that failed to dissolve from an earlier procedure.
  • Fans flooded social media with support as Beckham begins recovery.

David Beckham has undergone surgery on his right arm after enduring years of pain from an old football injury. The former England captain was admitted to hospital this week, where doctors corrected a long-standing issue stemming from a 2003 match against South Africa. Beckham is now recovering, with his wife Victoria offering fans a glimpse into his post-op condition through an Instagram update.

Keep ReadingShow less
Alcaraz-Wimbledon-Getty

Carlos Alcaraz plays a forehand against Novak Djokovic in the Gentlemen's Singles Final on July 14, 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)

Wimbledon draw: Alcaraz opens against Fognini, Sabalenka faces qualifier

CARLOS ALCARAZ will begin his attempt to win a third straight Wimbledon title against Italian Fabio Fognini, while women’s top seed Aryna Sabalenka opens her campaign against Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine.

The draw, held on Friday at the All England Club, featured several notable first-round matchups.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jofra Archer

The 30-year-old fast bowler has struggled with injuries throughout his career and has played just 13 Tests, the last of which was in February 2021.

Getty Images

Jofra Archer recalled for second Test against India

JOFRA ARCHER has been named in England's squad for the second Test against India, marking his return to the Test side after more than four years.

The 30-year-old fast bowler has struggled with injuries throughout his career and has played just 13 Tests, the last of which was in February 2021.

Keep ReadingShow less