T20 World Cup 2021: Mohammad Nabi breaks down during national anthem ahead of Afghanistan's clash with Scotland

Afghanistan skipper Mohammad Nabi broke down during the national anthem was played ahead of his team’s fixture against Scotland in Sharjah on October 25. Nabi was appointed Afghanistan’s skipper after Rashid Khan stepped down following the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s (ACB) announcement of the 18-man squad for the T20 World Cup.

Afghanistan gained a direct qualification for the multi-team tournament this year by virtue of being one of the top-ten ranked teams in the ICC T20I rankings. In the build-up, they played two warm-up games – against South Africa, which they lost by 41 runs, followed by West Indies, whom they defeated by 56 runs.

Mohammad Nabi appointed Afghanistan skipper after Rashid Khan’s step down

Nabi, who has led Afghanistan in 12 T20Is in 2013-14, is leading the team for the first time in a major ICC event. Stepping down owing to issues related to team selection, Rashid had said: “As the captain and responsible person for the nation, I reserve the right to be part of the selection of the team.

“The selection committee and ACB (Afghanistan Cricket Board) has not obtained my consent for the team which has been announced by ACB media. I am taking the decision of stepping down from the role of captain of Afghanistan T20 side effective immediately. It’s always my pride playing for Afghanistan.” his statement on social media read.

Rashid was named as the team’s skipper in July this year, with Najibullah Zadran named as his deputy. Rashid had previously expressed his unwillingness to take up the role as he felt the burden of captaincy would affect his game.

“I am very much clear in my mind that I am better off as a player. I am good in the role as vice-captain and help the captain wherever I am needed. It’s better for me that I stay away from this position. I am afraid it might affect my performance for the team which is a key so I am very happy as a player and whatever the decision board and selection committee make I am fully behind it and will appreciate it,” he told ESPNcricinfo.

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