In Gqeberha, Rashid Khan, captain of MI Cape Town, shared how he wants to lead his team similarly to how he led Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup. He believes that being familiar with his teammates has made him a better leader. This season, MI Cape Town has performed well after two not-so-great years and is now on top of the points table with 30 points from nine matches, earning a playoff spot.
Rashid, 26, led Afghanistan to a big win over Australia in the Super Eight stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup, helping them reach the semifinals. Before the crucial qualifier against Paarl Royals, he said, “I wanted to lead MI Cape Town like I did with Afghanistan. Coach Robbie Peterson also helped me with this.”
Rashid captained MI Cape Town in their first season but missed last season due to an injury. This year, he feels he knows the players well and has spent more time with them. “Clear communication was key, sharing what’s in the captain’s mind and understanding players’ thoughts,” he added.
He remarked on the noticeable change in the team’s attitude. “Previously, we played good cricket but struggled to finish strong. This year, every player has stepped up and contributed positively. Regardless of how short their time on the field was, they played for the team.”
Rashid praised the bowlers too, saying, “Each bowler has played a part. The most significant change is that we’re enjoying our cricket. We’re focused on having fun rather than stressing about results.”
He also stressed the importance of having a supportive leadership group. “It’s crucial for a captain to have a team of leaders around. Leading the team from another country isn’t easy,” he explained. “This season, everyone knows their roles, which has made my job easier. It’s not just about my decisions; listening to experienced players who know the local conditions is important too.”
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