IPL 2021: Uncertainty looms over Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi's UAE leg participation after Afghanistan turbulence

After the forceful takeover of Afghan territories by Taliban insurgents, there is an air of mystery on the future of the country’s premier leg-spinner Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, who both are currently in the United Kingdom representing Trent Rockets and London Spirit, respectively in the ongoing The Hundred.

Both Rashid and Nabi are set to go to the UAE of the second leg of the Indian Premier League that was postponed midway through in May this year due to the emergence of Covid-19 cases inside the bio-secure environment created for the franchises. While the season would resume in the UAE from September 19, the current situation in Afghanistan puts question marks over their players’ availability, given they have their families in the country.

“The Islamic Emirate instructs all its forces to stand at the gates of Kabul, not to try to enter the city,” the Taliban said in a statement on Sunday, referring to the group’s formal name. “Negotiations are under way to ensure that the transition process is completed safely and securely, without putting the lives, property and honor of anyone in danger.”

“It was unclear exactly how the talks would take place. The AP reported that Taliban negotiators were heading to the presidential palace in Kabul to prepare for a transfer of power. Yet Bismillah Mohammadi, Afghanistan’s acting defense minister, said “the president has extended all the authority to a delegation that is heading to Doha tomorrow for talks with the Taliban.”

The BCCI is keeping an eye on the developments and is hoping to see the participation of Afghan players in the India Premier League. “It is too early to comment but we are keeping a watch. For us, nothing changes and we expect Rashid and other Afghan players would be part of IPL,” a BCCI was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

Rashid Khan bats for peace

Afghanistan National Cricket Team player Rashid Khan had even earlier tweeted and urged the “world leaders” to stop destroying Afghanistan. “Dear World Leaders! My country is in chaos, thousand of innocent people, including children & women, get martyred everyday, houses & properties being destructed. Thousand families displaced.. Don’t leave us in chaos. Stop killing Afghans & destroying Afghanistan. We want peace,” his tweet from August 10 read.

Both Rashid and Nabi play for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL and CricTracker understands that the BCCI will speak to the Afghanistan Cricket Board over the availability of their players. Afghans are also set to tour Sri Lanka for six white-ball fixtures, although that series is yet to be confirmed officially.