Afghanistan national cricket team captain and star spinner Rashid Khan on Saturday (October 18) took the cricket world by storm by removing the mention of his Pakistan Super League (PSL) team, Lahore Qalandars, from his social media bio.
Rashid Khan’s surprising move comes at a time when relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have reached a boiling point. As of Friday, Rashid’s bio proudly listed four teams – Afghanistan national cricket team, Gujarat Titans (IPL), Adelaide Strikers (BBL), and Lahore Qalandars (PSL).
Rashid Khan removed Lahore Qalandars from his bio amid increasing tension in Afghanistan-Pakistan.
Now, Lahore Qalandars’ name is not there, only the names of three teams are visible in his bio. The development came just hours after reports emerged that the Afghanistan government had accused Pakistan of violating the 48-hour ceasefire and launching airstrikes in Paktika province.
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Tensions between the two neighboring Asian countries have escalated in recent weeks, with several deadly cross-border clashes resulting in heavy casualties.
Despite efforts to calm the situation through a temporary ceasefire, Afghan officials claim that Pakistan violated the agreement and launched new attacks, killing several civilians, including three domestic cricketers.
ACB’s withdrawal after PSL suffered a blow due to Rashid Khan’s silent protest sends a strong message to PCB
In a show of solidarity with the victims, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced its withdrawal from the upcoming tri-series in Pakistan. This decision sent a strong message to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about ACB’s stand on this issue.
On the other hand, Rashid Khan’s quiet but powerful decision to remove the name of his PSL team from his bio highlights the sentiment among Afghans. The leg spinner’s action is a big blow to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the franchise.
The 26-year-old is one of the most respected figures in world cricket and has been a key player for Lahore Qalandars over the years. Their latest move suggests that ongoing political tensions may now overshadow cricket relations – an unfortunate turn for two countries with a deep passion for the game.
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Rashid Khan condemns Pakistan air strike, supports ACB’s decision to withdraw from tri-series
Meanwhile, Rashid Khan has expressed deep grief over the death of innocent people in the recent air strikes carried out by Pakistan in Afghanistan. Rashid said he was saddened that the attacks had cost the lives of women, children and young cricketers who dreamed of playing for their country.
The Afghan spinner has described the attacks as cruel and inhumane and supported the ACB’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming matches against Pakistan, saying it was the right stance during such tragic times.
Targeting civilian infrastructure is absolutely unethical and barbaric: Rashid Khan
Rashid posted,
These unjust and illegal actions represent serious violations of human rights and should not go unnoticed. In light of the precious innocent souls lost, I welcome the ACB’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming fixtures against Pakistan. I stand with my people in these difficult times; Our national dignity must come before all else.”
I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani air strikes on Afghanistan. A tragedy that took the lives of women, children and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their country on the world stage.
This is absolutely unethical and…
– Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) 17 October 2025
