'I still feel your presence' - Rashid Khan remembers his father on first death anniversary

Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan’s story is a real one from rags to riches, as he has become one of the most sought-after cricketers in the world in T20 leagues. From living in Pakistan in refugee camps to being picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 4 crores, the leggie has changed the life of not only himself but his family as well.

He has often credited his family and their sacrifices in his success story and someone who had a big influence on his game was his father and his brothers. However, he lost his strongest pillar of support and inspiration, his dad a year ago, while he was away playing in the Big Bash League. The 21-year-old leg-spinner had said that his father sacrificed a lot while supporting his family and gave up a lot of things, so his family could have a good life.

I hope you remain happy even in death, Rashid Khan pays tribute to his father

“It was tough. I lost my Dad, the one who is very close to us and to my family. He really supported us – he struggled a lot while giving up (a lot) with how he (raised) us. He was always watching my games, he didn’t understand cricket a lot but he just was always asking my family how I had done,” Rashid Khan was quoted by India Today when his father had passed away.

A year after his father’s death, Rashid has still not been able to forget the contribution of his loving dad to his cricket, after he has become a big star and even captained Afghanistan in all three formats. “Your lovely advice and sweet corrections can’t be forgotten. I still feel your presence around me each time I am about to take every step in my life. You are part of my success story and I hope you remain happy even in death.1st Year Death Anniversary #lMissYouDad #RIP,” Rashid tweeted.

Your lovely advice and sweet corrections can’t be forgotten.I still feel your presence around me each time I am about to take every step in my life. You are part of my success story and I hope you remain happy even in death.1st Year Death Anniversary #lMissYouDad #RIP

— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) December 30, 2019

He was recently in news for using a double hump bat during BBL 09, called The Camel. The bat had a depression in its back and he used it to hit 25 runs in 16 balls with 2 sixes and 2 fours for Strikers against Renegades in the December 29 clash between the two sides.