Afghanistan’s star leg spinner Rashid Khan One of the most recognizable faces in modern cricket. From dominating T20 leagues around the world to becoming the heartbeat of Afghanistan’s rise on the international stage, Rashid’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. However, away from packed stadiums and franchise celebrations, the life he leads back home comes with serious challenges – so much so that the world’s leading T20 spinner is forced to travel in a bulletproof car for his safety.
Rashid Khan reveals why he travels in a bulletproof car in Afghanistan
A shocking thing came to light during a candid conversation with the former England captain. Kevin PietersenWhat started as a casual discussion about fame and daily life quickly turned serious when Peterson asked if Rashid could walk freely on the streets of Kabul, Rashid’s blunt reply – ‘No’ – immediately set the tone, Peterson was quite surprised by what was revealed after this,
“I can’t walk on the road in Afghanistan. I have a bulletproof car,” Rashid explained.
When Pietersen asked why such extreme measures were necessary, Spinner calmly replied, “It’s for safety. You don’t want to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. This is normal in Afghanistan. Everyone has this.”
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Over-position protection in unstable environments
For Rashid, the bulletproof vehicle is not a symbol of luxury, excess or celebrity privilege. Instead, it is a basic necessity created by ongoing security concerns in Afghanistan. Despite recent improvements in some areas, instability remains persistent in the country, particularly regarding high-profile public figures.
As one of Afghanistan’s most famous athletes, Rashid’s visibility makes him vulnerable. Large crowds, spontaneous public gatherings and unpredictable security situations mean that even routine travel can pose risks. In such an environment, additional security becomes necessary rather than optional.
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