Chennai: Afghanistan cricket star Rashid Khan has said that playing an international match in his home country would mean more to him and his teammates than winning a World Cup, highlighting the emotional importance of hosting global fixtures in Afghanistan despite years of conflict and instability. Speaking ahead of a T20 World Cup match against New Zealand, Rashid said the dream of playing before home fans remains the team’s biggest unfulfilled goal.
Afghanistan, despite rising rapidly in world cricket and producing globally recognised players, has never hosted a major international match on its own soil. Ongoing security concerns and infrastructure challenges have forced the national team to adopt overseas venues as their home grounds for years.
No home matches despite global rise
Over the past decade, Afghanistan have emerged as a competitive side in white-ball cricket and have featured in multiple ICC tournaments. Players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have become household names through franchise leagues across the world.
However, the team continues to play its designated “home” matches outside the country. At different times, Greater Noida, Dehradun and Lucknow in India have served as Afghanistan’s home venues. In the UAE, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi have also hosted their fixtures.
Rashid said that while the team is grateful for the support they receive abroad, nothing can replace the feeling of playing in front of home supporters.
He described the prospect of hosting an international match in Afghanistan as “more than a dream,” adding that it would show the world a different side of the country and its people.
‘Bigger than the World Cup’ for players
Rashid said that for Afghan cricketers, staging an international game at home carries deeper emotional value than even the sport’s biggest trophy.
He noted that such a match would allow global teams and audiences to witness the passion for cricket among Afghan fans and the warmth with which visiting players would be welcomed. According to him, it would also help change global perceptions by showcasing the country’s culture and natural beauty.
He added that although Afghan players receive strong support in countries like India — especially during the IPL and ICC events — the experience of playing in one’s own country is unique and irreplaceable.
Love and support abroad, but home feeling missing
Rashid acknowledged that Afghan players get significant appreciation from fans wherever they travel. He pointed out that during IPL seasons and World Cup tournaments, the team never feels completely isolated because of the strong backing from supporters.
At the same time, he stressed that the emotional connection of performing in front of home crowds, on familiar grounds, cannot be recreated elsewhere. He expressed hope that conditions would one day allow an international team to tour Afghanistan.
He said such a moment would be historic not just for the players but for the entire nation.
Domestic structure needs strengthening
Rashid also spoke about the challenges posed by a limited domestic cricket structure in Afghanistan, especially in white-ball formats. He said the lack of a deep and competitive domestic system makes national team selection more difficult.
According to him, Afghanistan has some four-day cricket but not enough regular white-ball tournaments to build a strong talent pipeline. This reduces the number of options available to selectors and captains compared to countries with extensive domestic competitions.
He emphasised that internal competition is essential for raising standards. Using spin bowling as an example, he said any young Afghan spinner must aim to compete with established names like himself, Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, which pushes everyone to improve.
He added that similar competition levels are needed in batting to take the team to the next level.
Call for broader representation
Rashid also said he hopes to see an Afghanistan women’s team competing in international cricket in the future. He noted that representation at all levels is important for a full member nation in world cricket.
He clarified that decisions regarding women’s cricket and broader structural issues lie with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and the ICC, and are beyond the control of individual players. Still, he said players support the idea of Afghans representing the country on any global sporting stage.
Conclusion
Afghanistan’s cricket journey has been one of resilience and rapid progress, built largely on raw talent and determination. Yet, as Rashid Khan underlined, the team’s most cherished milestone — hosting an international match at home — remains unrealised. For Afghanistan’s players and fans alike, that day would represent far more than just another fixture on the calendar.