Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan has opened up about the domestic security challenges that mean he cannot move around freely in Kabul. In a conversation with former England captain Kevin Pietersen, Rashid said that he travels in a bulletproof vehicle for security reasons, adding that it is not a luxury but a precaution.
Khan came from a tough background in Afghanistan and became one of the most dangerous bowlers in T20 cricket. The leg spinner made his international debut at a young age and soon became a key figure for his country. His skills, especially in T20 cricket, turned him into a global star in the major leagues.
He has played in major leagues like IPL and BBL. With fame and financial success, he became more insecure off the field. Despite his achievements on the field he has become a potential target.
I can’t walk on the streets in Afghanistan – Rashid Khan
During a conversation with Kevin Pietersen, Rashid Khan revealed that he cannot walk freely on the streets of Afghanistan. Rashid said he travels in a bulletproof car for security reasons. He said such precautions are common and being in the wrong place at the wrong time can be dangerous.
“I can’t walk down the street in Afghanistan. I have a bulletproof car,” Rashid told Peterson. “You have a bulletproof car in Kabul? Why?” Peterson asked in surprise.
“It’s for safety,” Rasheed explained. “You don’t want to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. This is normal in Afghanistan. Everyone has this.”
Rashid Khan uses bulletproof car on Afghanistan tour! pic.twitter.com/53BZkyWunp
– Switch | Kevin Pietersen (@kptheswitch) 22 December 2025
I was not allowed to go out and play – Rashid Khan on life under Taliban
Rashid Khan explained that tight security measures are part of everyday life in Afghanistan, especially for celebrities. He said that it is considered normal to take precautions because danger can arise unexpectedly.
Khan shared that he faced similar risks in his childhood. He said that it was unsafe to even go out to play cricket, but despite those challenges, representing Afghanistan remained his biggest dream.
“I was not allowed to go out and play,” Rashid recalled. “Playing for Afghanistan was our biggest dream.”
Rashid Khan balances off-field risk and on-field consistency
Rashid Khan faces risks domestically not only because of his fame but also because of his vocal stance against the Taliban. She has particularly criticized his policies on women’s rights and education, and has used her global platform to support Afghan women and girls.
On the cricket field, Rashid is currently playing for MI Emirates in the ILT20 2025-26 season. He has taken four wickets in five innings at an economy rate of 7.19.
Overall, 2025 has been a steady but not extraordinary year for him. Across all formats, Rashid has taken 44 wickets in 19 innings at an average of 14.13 and a strike rate of 19.7. Despite the challenges outside the field, he is continuously performing well.
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