Rashid Khan Embraces Expanded T20 World Cup Format
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has enthusiastically welcomed the expansion of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup to 20 teams in the current 2026 edition, stating that this broader format provides players from more nations with a valuable opportunity to perform on cricket's premier global stage. The 2026 tournament marks the largest edition in the competition's history in terms of participating teams, a development that Rashid believes enriches the sport.
More Teams Bring New Talent and Tougher Competition
"It's always beneficial to have more teams in the World Cup," Rashid remarked on the eve of Afghanistan's crucial match against New Zealand. "This inclusion allows numerous nations to participate, and we witness an influx of new talent that previously remained unseen. Different teams enter the fray and present a formidable challenge to their opponents. I believe this dynamic is what makes the World Cup grow progressively larger and more competitive."
He emphasized that the outcome of individual matches is secondary to the demonstration of capability. "Whether you win or lose, it's about showing the world that you possess the ability to defeat any side at any time, provided you maintain that self-belief," the star all-rounder added, underscoring the psychological aspect of high-stakes tournaments.
Afghanistan Ready for Grueling Group D Challenge
Afghanistan finds itself in a demanding Group D alongside cricketing powerhouses New Zealand and South Africa. Rashid acknowledged the difficulty but expressed readiness for the challenge. "In a World Cup, nothing comes easily; it's invariably tough, and that's the essence of T20 cricket," he explained. "You must navigate through difficult phases to attain greater achievements. This presents a significant challenge for us. To accomplish bigger goals, one must traverse tough paths, and we are facing strong oppositions."
Despite the daunting group, Rashid highlighted the team's resilience and past successes. "Nevertheless, you must retain belief in yourself and continue pushing on the field, as we demonstrated in the 2024 World Cup where we defeated major teams. The confidence is certainly present; it's now about ensuring we execute the right actions at the precise moments," he stated, reflecting on their historic victories.
IPL Experience to Bolster Afghanistan's Campaign
Rashid also pointed to the invaluable experience Afghan players have garnered from participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a key asset for the tournament. "We possess quality spinners, but effective bowling remains paramount. The pitch appears conducive for batting, yet the extensive IPL experience our players have accumulated here must be utilized. Applying that knowledge enables us to deliver our best bowling to batters, promising an exciting contest," he elaborated, linking league exposure to international performance.
The expansion to 20 teams not only diversifies the competition but also aligns with global efforts to promote cricket in emerging regions. Rashid's comments underscore a growing consensus within the cricketing community that inclusive formats foster talent development and elevate the sport's overall standard, making tournaments more unpredictable and engaging for fans worldwide.
