Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan has opened up about the security challenges at home, revealing that he cannot move around freely in Kabul. In a chat with former England captain Kevin Pietersen, Rashid said that he travels in a bulletproof vehicle for safety reasons, adding that it is not a luxury but a precaution.
Khan came from a difficult background in Afghanistan to become one of the most dangerous bowlers in T20 cricket. The leg-spinner made his international debut at a young age and quickly became a key figure for his country. His skills, especially in T20 cricket, turned him into a global star across major leagues.
He has played in major leagues like the IPL and BBL. With fame and financial success, he became more vulnerable off the field. He has become a potential target despite his achievements on the field.
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I Can’t Walk In the Street In Afghanistan – Rashid Khan
During a conversation with Kevin Pietersen, Rashid Khan revealed that he cannot walk freely on the streets in Afghanistan. Rashid stated that he travels in a bulletproof car for safety reasons. He added that such precautions are common, and being in the wrong place at the wrong time can be dangerous.
“I can’t walk in the street in Afghanistan. I have a bulletproof car,” Rashid told Pietersen. “You have a bulletproof car in Kabul? Why?” Pietersen asked in shock.
“It’s for safety,” Rashid explained. “You don’t want to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. It’s normal in Afghanistan. Everyone has it.”
Rashid Khan Uses A Bulletproof Car When Visiting Afghanistan! pic,twitter,cohm,53BZkywunp
—The Switch Kevin Pietersen (@kptheswitch) December 22, 2025
I Was Not Allowed To Go And Play Outside – Rashid Khan On Life Under the Taliban
Rashid Khan explained that tight security measures are a part of everyday life in Afghanistan, especially for well-known figures. He said that taking precautions is considered normal because danger can arise unexpectedly.
Khan shared that he faced similar risks during his childhood. He added that even stepping outside to play cricket was unsafe, but despite those challenges, representing Afghanistan remained his biggest dream.
“I was not allowed to go and play outside,” Rashid recalled. “Playing for Afghanistan was the biggest dream we could have.”
Rashid Khan Balances Off-Field Risks and On-Field Consistency
Rashid Khan faces added risk at home not just because of fame, but also due to his spoken stance against the Taliban. He has criticized their policies, especially on women’s rights and education, and has used his 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 with an economy rate of 7.19.
Overall, 2025 has been a steady but not standout year for him. Across formats, Rashid has picked up 44 wickets in 19 innings at an average of 14.13 and a strike rate of 19.7. He continues to deliver consistently despite the challenges off the field.
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