Rashid Khan Reveals Why He Can’t Walk Freely In Afghanistan
Kabul : For Rashid Khan, fame doesn’t come with red carpets or quiet strolls through the city. It comes with armour. I can’t walk in the street in Afghanistan. I have a bulletproof car, Rashid said matter-of-factly. It’s for safety. You don’t want to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. It’s normal in Afghanistan. Everyone has it.
That word — normal — carried the heaviest weight. What sounded absurd to Pietersen was simply daily life for Rashid, a global T20 superstar navigating a homeland shaped by years of instability. The armoured vehicle isn’t a luxury. It’s survival. As arguably Afghanistan’s most recognisable citizen, Rashid’s success in leagues like the IPL and BBL brings fame, visibility and perceived wealth — all of which make him a potential target.
On top of it all, the Taliban, who possess control of the region currently, are more than likely not fond of Rashid either. The Afghan star has publicly criticised their oppressive policies, especially regarding women’s rights and education, while using his global platform to advocate for Afghan women and girls — undermining the Taliban’s narrative and authority.
Rashid spoke with calm acceptance, reflecting how deeply he understands the realities of his country. Cricket, he explained, was once little more than a dream — even stepping outside to play was often forbidden due to safety concerns. I was not allowed to go and play outside,” he recalled. Playing for Afghanistan was the biggest dream we could have.
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