Rashid Khan received big praise from Pakistan cricketer [Source: @acb_190/X.com]
Former Pakistani cricketer Rashid Latifi has heaped praise on Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan by referring to him as a bigger star compared to Wasim Akram. Latifi opined that Khan has played a huge role in putting Afghanistan on the world map of cricket.
Afghanistan will begin their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against South Africa on February 21 in Karachi before playing the crunch games against England and Australia.
Hashmatullah Shahidi will captain the team with left-arm spinner Rashid Khan at the helm of the bowling.
Ahead of the big ICC event, Rashid received praise from a former Pakistani cricketer.
Rashid Khan coined a bigger personality than Wasim Akram
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has made a bold claim, stating that Afghanistan's Rashid Khan is a bigger cricketer than Wasim Akram. Talking on Geo News' talk show 'Hasna Mana Hai', Latif commended Rashid for placing Afghanistan cricket on the world map.
“Rashid has brought Afghanistan on the map, he has helped them get recognition. He is greater than Wasim Akram. I am sorry to say but Rashid’s stature is bigger," Latif said.
While Akram is considered by many to be one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of cricket, Rashid Khan has transformed T20 cricket with his world-class leg-spin and all-round skills.
Latif also instructed Rashid to focus on strengthening Afghanistan's Test team, and they should play more red-ball cricket, particularly against Pakistan.
“I have only one piece of advice for Rashid Khan. ‘Improve your test team and play more Test matches against Pakistan,'" he added.
Shoaib Akhtar declared Afghanistan as semi-finalist in Champions Trophy
Former Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar has boldly predicted the semi-finals of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, favouring India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan to qualify at the cost of underestimating Australia.
Akhtar, when interviewed, referred to Afghanistan's meteoric rise in world cricket, stating they can be a dark horse in the semi-finals if they play maturely at the international level.