Rashid Khan touched by the heartwarming support he is getting in Australia after father's demise

Afghanistan star Rashid Khan recently showed a different facet of his personality. The leg-spinner sensation has become a fan favourite across the globe not only with his stunning exploits on the field but also with his cheerful character. No matter what the situation is, Rashid always has a wide smile on his face while on the field. But little did the world know about the strong character sitting behind that ever-smiling face.

He recently suffered a personal tragedy with his father passing away. But he bravely played in the Adelaide Strikers’ win on New Year’s Eve just hours after learning of the devastating news. Rashid had said he wanted to play to give a fitting tribute to his father. As usual, he did well and picked up two wickets but was visibly more looking like a downcast figure than usual.

Rashid’s brave act, meanwhile, has made him even more popular Down Under and his teammates and fans are trying all they can to make him feel good in such a tough time. Overwhelmed with the love, he emotionally declared Australia as his family. He also revealed that his extended family have all urged him to play the entire competition. He will consider making a brief return to Afghanistan if time permits but missing any game is unlikely.

Support in Australia:

Rashid revealed how tough it was for him to perceive that his father had passed away. He revealed how hard his father worked to support the family before stating about the support he is getting from his family at such a tough time.

“It was tough. I lost my Dad, the one who is very close to us and to my family,” Rashid told reporters. “He really supported us – he struggled a lot while giving up (a lot) with how he (raised) us.

“He was always watching my games, he didn’t understand cricket a lot but he just was always asking my family how I had done.

“It happens. It’s life. “In this situation, my family has really supported me … Especially my mum, my brothers, my nephews. They were encouraging me a lot from back home. They were calling me again and again. They were like, ‘you have to be there, you have to play for us, you have to play for your Dad. We can see you’re sad, you’re alone there, you’re (a long way) from home’. That’s how their motivation helped to stay here and play for the Strikers,” he added.

He further spoke on the support he is getting in Australia, saying: “The way the team, my captain, my coaches, my management – the way they (supported) me has been great. They were in my room until late (after the New Year’s Eve game), encouraging me. I really love that – that kept me alive there … They were coming to me and hugging me. ”

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