Emotional Rashid surprised by IPL deal
Before this year no player from Afghanistan had ever played in the IPL but in 2017 we will see two players from the associate member turn out in the biggest domestic T20 tournament in the world.
Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi were snapped up by defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad who had to fight off the attentions of the Mumbai Indians to secure Rashid.
The young leg spinner was on tour with Afghanistan in Zimbabwe when the auction began and had to be woken up to witness the life changing moment.
Rashid told ESPN Cricinfo: “My parents woke up early to watch the auction. I was still sleeping when they called me and told me to get up and watch because I was coming up.
“So I started to also watch it from here in Zimbabwe and I was really surprised, really happy and really excited when I saw what was happening. I couldn’t believe it actually, it happened very quickly.”
The 18-year-old will now join a squad full of some of the best players in the world including David Warner and Kane Williamson.
The young man entered the IPL auction after turning out in the Bangladesh Premier League for the Comilla Victorians with Jason Holder and Marlon Samuels who both went unsold for this campaign.
Clearly the Sunrisers and Mumbai Indians had taken in his performances in the recent Desert T20 Challenge where he took nine wickets at an incredible average of just 6.55.
Rashid told ESPN Cricinfo what sets him apart as a bowler: “What makes me different is that I am a bit quicker for a legspinner.
“That is something that just came to me naturally, not something that I copied from anyone.”
Latest
-
-
NewsTributes pour in for former umpire Rudi Koertzen following death aged 73
The MCC said it was “saddened” to learn of Koertzen’s death.
-
NewsLisa Keightley to step down as England head coach at the end of the summer
The Australian took over in January 2020 and led England to the final of this year’s World Cup.
-
NewsChance to Shine graduates Lauren Bell and Issy Wong excited to keep on inspiring
The pair have enjoyed a memorable year so far with international debuts in multiple formats.
-
NewsJordan Thompson stars with the ball as London Spirit hammer Manchester Originals
Seamer Thompson, who took two wickets on his tournament debut at the Oval last week, followed that up with a remarkable four for 21 from 20 balls.
-
NewsSam Billings aiming to use England Lions game to push for Test recall
The wicketkeeper will captain the side for the tour match against South Africa.
-
NewsMoeen Ali fears 50-over cricket could be lost due to ‘unsustainable’ schedule
The World Cup winner is worried people are starting to view the 50-over format as ‘the long, boring one’.
-
The HundredAlex Hales leads Trent Rockets to opening Hundred win
The former England opener hit 58 off 41 balls against Birmingham Phoenix.
-
NewsRichard Thompson named as new ECB chair and pledges to restore trust in cricket
The 55-year-old will leave is role at Surrey.
-
EnglandJos Buttler shines but Manchester Originals lose to Northern Superchargers
The England white-ball captain top-scored but the hosts were beaten at Emirates Old Trafford.