The cricketing world is standing in solidarity with Rashid Khan after the Afghanistan cricket star suffered the loss of his elder brother, Haji Abdul Islam Shinwari. The news broke while Rashid Khan was on national duty, participating in a T20I tri-series against Pakistan and the UAE.
Following the sad news, many of Rashid Khan's teammates shared the news on social media and expressed their condolences. The Pakistan cricket team, after winning the opening match of the tri-series against Afghanistan at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE, offered prayers and support to Rashid. A video surfaced on social media showed Pakistan's star pacer Shaheen Afridi consoling Rashid with a hug, and Fakhar Zaman was also seen offering support. The team also visited the Afghanistan dressing room to offer condolences and recite prayers for Rashid Khan's late brother.
Ibrahim Zadran, the opening batter for Afghanistan, shared his condolences on social media, saying, "Saddened to hear about the passing of Rashid Khan's elder brother Haji Abdul Halim. An elder brother is like a father for the family. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. My heartfelt condolences to @rashidkhan_19 and his family". Former Afghanistan player Asghar Afghan also extended his prayers, stating, "I am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of Rashid Khan's elder brother Haji Abdul Halim Shinwari. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous and give patience to his family. Ameen".
Rashid Khan himself posted a picture with his brother on social media, writing, "We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return". He also mentioned that his brother passed away due to an illness.
In the opening match of the T20I tri-series, Pakistan defeated Afghanistan by 39 runs. Pakistan chose to bat first, and captain Salman Ali Agha anchored the innings with 53 runs off 36 balls, helping the team reach a total of 182/7. In response, Afghanistan's Ibrahim Zadran was dismissed early, but Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal formed a crucial partnership. Despite a late explosive cameo of 39 runs off 16 balls from Rashid Khan, Afghanistan fell short of the target.
