Rashid Khan lashes out at former ACB CEO Shafiq Stanikzai, receives long explanation in return

Rashid Khan will be completing eight years in international cricket later this month. He has been an excellent servant of Afghanistan cricket and has also weaved his magic across the different franchise leagues around the world.

In a surprising turn of events, the 25-year-old took to 'X' and lambasted former Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) Chief Executive Officer Shafiq Stanikzai for allegedly "spreading false information" about the Afghanistan team that is scheduled to take part in the upcoming ODI World Cup in India.

According to the talismanic spinner, the 15-member Afghan squad is the fittest the Asian nation has ever sent for a mega event. Rashid held Stanikzai and his management accountable for Afghanistan's disappointing results in previous editions of the World Cups.

"I think it’s the best and one of the most fit teams we have ever had for any of the mega events so far and I believe we can deliver to the best this time. Many compromises has been done during your management 
@ShafiqStanikzai in the past while selecting the teams for the Wold Cups which has costed the nation many important games. Instead of spreading false information it should be better to support this bunch of great and best guys," Rashid wrote on his 'X' handle.

I think it’s the best and one of the most fit teams we have ever had for any of the mega events so far and I believe we can deliver to the best this time.
Many compromises has been done during your management @ShafiqStanikzai in the past while selecting the teams for the Wold…

— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) October 1, 2023

Your tweet has left me somewhat bewildered: Shafiq Stanikzai

Shafiq responded to Rashid's post and said that he is "somewhat bewildered" by his allegations. Referring to Rashid as 'champ', Stanikzai asked him to recall how he had previously given him credit for Afghanistan's positive results after his tenure ended.

"My Dear Champ @rashidkhan_19 Your tweet has left me somewhat bewildered. It appears to be at odds with the sentiments you've previously expressed. Do you recall your past tweets where you lauded  me, dedicating victories to my contributions to the ACB after my tenure?" Stanikzai wrote.

Stanikzai went on to post a series of follow-up posts to remind Rashid about his achievements for Afghanistan cricket. However, he ended by showing his respect to the star bowler and the Afghanistan team, assuring that he would be an admirer of both, forever.

My Dear Champ @rashidkhan_19

Your tweet has left me somewhat bewildered. It appears to be at odds with the sentiments you've previously expressed. Do you recall your past tweets where you lauded me, dedicating victories to my contributions to the ACB after my tenure? pic.twitter.com/AhmN679VFG

— Shafiq Stanikzai (@ShafiqStanikzai) October 1, 2023

Initially, I had no intention of responding to your tweet; I thought I'd save the ear-twitching for our next meeting. However, since you've accused me falsely and given your global star status, with millions of fans worldwide, and my own cricket administration role,

— Shafiq Stanikzai (@ShafiqStanikzai) October 1, 2023

with admirers across the globe, I feel compelled to set the record straight and remind you of my achievements for Afghan Cricket.

— Shafiq Stanikzai (@ShafiqStanikzai) October 1, 2023

1. I meticulously crafted the team for the 2016 T20 World Cup, where Afghanistan won four games, including a victory against the reigning champions, West Indies.

2. I nurtured our U19 team, which clinched the Asia Cup and reached the World Cup semi-finals.

— Shafiq Stanikzai (@ShafiqStanikzai) October 1, 2023

3. Every Afghan player recognized as a test cricketer owes their success to my dedication.

4. The domestic cricketers who hold the title of First-class cricketers are products of my management and compromises.

— Shafiq Stanikzai (@ShafiqStanikzai) October 1, 2023

5. Your and Nabi's IPL selections, without prior exposure, were orchestrated and the result ofmy management.

6. The presence of 14 standard cricket stadiums in Afghanistan stands as a testament to my management.

— Shafiq Stanikzai (@ShafiqStanikzai) October 1, 2023

I still vividly recall our last phone conversation, your words of admiration for me, and concerns with the current system. Please understand, I haven't criticized you or the team. Nevertheless, I do possess profound insights into preparing a team and players for mega events.

— Shafiq Stanikzai (@ShafiqStanikzai) October 1, 2023

My champion, your tweet did disappoint me, but rest assured, I still hold you in high regard and remain immensely proud of you and the entire team. I am, and will forever be, an ardent admirer of you and the Blue Tigers.

With respect and best wishes,

— Shafiq Stanikzai (@ShafiqStanikzai) October 1, 2023