Afghanistan's cricket captain, Rashid Khan, faced a personal tragedy with the recent passing of his elder brother, Haji Abdul Halim Shinwari. Despite his grief, Rashid led his team in the ongoing tri-series in Sharjah, receiving heartfelt support from the cricketing community. The Pakistan team paid their respects, and condolences poured in from teammates and former captain Asghar Afghan.
NEW DELHI: Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan has been grieving a personal tragedy after the death of his elder brother, Haji Abdul Halim Shinwari, last week. The 26-year-old star cricketer, who is currently leading Afghanistan in the ongoing tri-series in Sharjah, received an outpouring of support from across the cricketing community, including a touching tribute from the Pakistan team.
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In a viral video that surfaced after the first T20I between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday, Babar Azam’s side was seen paying respects to Rashid’s late brother, a gesture that has drawn praise from fans.
Watch:Pakistan team offers condolences on the death of Rashid Khan's elder brother
Afghanistan teammates were among the first to share the heartbreaking news on social media. Opener Ibrahim Zadran posted on X: “Saddened to hear about the passing of Rashid Khan's elder brother Haji Abdul Halim. An elder brother is like a father to the family. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. My heartfelt condolences to @rashidkhan_19 and his family.”
Former Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan also expressed grief: “It is with deep sorrow that I learned of the passing of the elder brother of @rashidkhan_19 (Haji Abdul Halim Shinwari). May Allah grant him the highest ranks of Paradise (Jannat al-Firdaus) and bestow beautiful patience upon their esteemed family.
Ameen.”
The condolences came even as Rashid turned out for Afghanistan in the tri-nation opener. Pakistan posted 182/7 and bowled Afghanistan out for 143, sealing a 39-run win. Rashid, despite his grief, fought valiantly with a late cameo of 39 off 16 balls.
For Afghanistan, however, the result was overshadowed by their captain’s personal loss — one the cricketing world has united in mourning.
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