Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan takes on former ACB CEO Shafiq Stanikzai

Former ACB CEO Shafiq Stanikzai gives a long explanation after Rashid Khan rages at him on social media

Former ACB CEO Shafiq Stanikzai provided star Afghanistan player Rashid Khan with a long explanation about the issues he had posted on social media platform X just before ICC World Cup 2023 begins in India on October 5.

Later this month, Rashid Khan will complete eight years of international cricket. He has done a fantastic job supporting Afghanistan’s cricket while also working his magic in several franchise leagues throughout the globe.

Unexpectedly, the 25-years-old took to ‘X’ and berated former Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) Chief Executive Officer Shafiq Stanikzai for reportedly “spreading false information” regarding Afghanistan side that are slated to compete in 2023 ODI World Cup in India.

The 15-members Afghan side is the fittest Asian country that have been ever sent for a major event, according to the talismanic spinner. Rashid blamed Stanikzai and his administration for Afghanistan’s underwhelming performances in earlier 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 have been done during your management

@ShafiqStanikzai in the past while selecting the teams for the World 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

Shafiq Stanikzai replies to Rashid Khan and highlights what he has done for Afghanistan cricket

In his reply to Rashid’s post, Shafiq stated that he is “somewhat bewildered” by his claims. Rashid was addressed as “champ” by Stanikzai, who then questioned him about how he had previously credited Rashid for Afghanistan’s successes following the end of his administration.

“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.

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

Stanikzai continued by reminding Rashid of his contributions to Afghanistan cricket in a series of subsequent posts. But before leaving, he paid homage to Afghanistan team and the great bowler, saying that he would always be a fan of both.

Check here:

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

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

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