Afghanistan’s star spinner Rashid Khan has said that he cannot move freely in his hometown due to security concerns and has to use a bulletproof vehicle for personal safety.
In an interview with former England captain Kevin Pietersen, Rashid explained that travelling in a normal car is not possible for him when he is in Afghanistan.
He said the precaution is necessary because of unpredictable security conditions.
When asked by Pietersen whether he could travel normally or walk freely on the streets in Afghanistan, Rashid replied, “Absolutely not. I cannot even travel in a normal car. I have to use a bulletproof vehicle. I only travel in my bulletproof car.”
Rashid added that the measure is taken purely for his safety. “No one will directly shoot me, but if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time, problems can happen,” he said. He also revealed that his vehicle remains locked and that people sometimes try to open it.
The Afghan cricketer said the car was specially made for him and added that the use of such vehicles is common in Afghanistan. “Many people use bulletproof cars here. It is a normal thing,” he said.
Kevin Pietersen expressed surprise at Rashid’s comments during the interview.
Rashid Khan, who was born in Nangarhar province, is Afghanistan’s first global cricket star and one of the leading T20 bowlers in the world. He has played in major leagues including the IPL, Big Bash League and The Hundred. He has also served as Afghanistan’s youngest captain.
Rashid currently spends most of his time in Dubai, which he considers his second home due to its proximity to Afghanistan and the large Afghan community living there.
His remarks highlight the ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan, where even well-known athletes are required to take extra precautions for their safety.
