Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has revealed that he received informal citizenship offers from India and Australia, but chose to remain committed to representing his home country.
Rashid Khan, who enjoys immense popularity in India and currently plays for the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL), shared these details in his book, Rashid Khan: From Streets to Stardom.
In the book, Rashid Khan: From Streets to Stardom, the leg-spinner said he was approached with opportunities that included citizenship and the chance to play international cricket for other nations. However, he made it clear that representing Afghanistan was never open for discussion.
“I received such offers (citizenship and playing) from both Australia and India. But I told them, ‘If I don’t play for my country, I won’t play for any other country either,’” Rashid said.
He also recalled a specific incident involving an informal offer from India. According to Rashid, a high-ranking official approached him during the 2023 IPL season and suggested he move to India due to the difficult situation in Afghanistan, offering him documents as well as the opportunity to live and play cricket there.
“I went over and greeted him. We started talking, and he said: ‘The situation in your country (Afghanistan) is very bad. Come stay in India. We will give you Indian documents, live here, play cricket here.’ I was surprised by what he was saying and didn’t know how to respond. But I smiled and said, ‘Thank you very much. I am playing for my country, Afghanistan,’” he said.
Despite global opportunities and strong fan support abroad, Rashid emphasized his loyalty to Afghanistan, stating that he would not represent any other country under any circumstances.
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