Afghanistan National Cricket Team captain and star spinner Rashid Khan has sparked a storm in the cricket world after removing the mention of his Pakistan Super League (PSL) team, Lahore Qalandars, from his social media bio on Saturday (October 18).
Rashid Khan’s surprising move comes at a time when relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have reached a boiling point. Until Friday, Rashid’s bio proudly listed four teams—Afghanistan National Cricket Team, Gujarat Titans (IPL), Adelaide Strikers (BBL), and Lahore Qalandars (PSL).
Rashid Khan removes Lahore Qalandars from Bio amid rising Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions
Now, the Lahore Qalandars’ name is not there, showing only three teams’ names in his bio. The change was noticed just hours after reports surfaced that the Afghanistan government had accused Pakistan of breaching a 48-hour ceasefire and launching airstrikes in Paktika province.
Tensions between the two neighboring Asian nations have flared up in recent weeks, with several deadly cross-border clashes leading to heavy casualties.
Despite efforts to calm the situation through a temporary ceasefire, Afghanistan’s authorities claim that Pakistan violated the agreement and carried out fresh strikes, killing multiple civilians, including three domestic cricketers.
ACB’s withdrawal sends a strong message to PCB after Rashid Khan’s silent protest shakes PSL
In a show of solidarity with the victims, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced its withdrawal from the upcoming tri-series in Pakistan. The decision sent a strong message to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about the ACB’s stance on the issue.
On the other hand, Rashid Khan’s quiet yet powerful decision to remove the PSL team’s name from his bio highlights the sentiment among the Afghanis. The leg-spinner’s action is a big setback for 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. His latest move suggests that the ongoing political tension may now be spilling over into cricketing relations—an unfortunate turn for two nations deeply passionate about the game.
Rashid Khan condemns Pakistan Airstrikes, backs ACB’s decision to withdraw from Tri-Series
Meanwhile, Rashid Khan has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives in the recent airstrikes carried out by Pakistan in Afghanistan. Rashid said that he was heartbroken that the attacks claimed the lives of women, children, and young cricketers who dreamed of playing for their country.
The Afghan spinner has called the strikes cruel and inhumane and supported the ACB’s decision to withdraw from upcoming matches against Pakistan, saying it was the right stand to take during such a tragic time.
It is absolutely immoral and barbaric to target civilian infrastructure: Rashid Khan
Rashid posted, X: “I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan. A tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage. It is absolutely immoral and barbaric to target civilian infrastructure.
These unjust and unlawful actions represent a grave violation of human rights and must not go unnoticed. In light of the precious innocent souls lost, I welcome the ACB’s decision to withdraw from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan. I stand with our people at this difficult time; our national dignity must come before all else.”
I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan. A tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage.
It is absolutely immoral and…
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) October 17, 2025
