Rashid Khan will aim to inspire Afghanistan as they adopt a no-fear approach during their World Cup campaign. 

Afghanistan are one of the underdogs in the shorter formats. Playing in only their second World Cup, they have sprouted some dangerous young talent. One of those players has become a world-renowned superstar – 20-year-old Rashid Khan.

Khan made a name for himself, particularly on the T20 domestic scene, where he plies his trade in the Indian Premier League, Caribbean Premier League, Pakistan Super League, Big Bash League, Afghanistan Premier League and the Mzansi Super league.

At last year’s Asia Cup, he took 10 wickets and scored 87 runs in five matches as Afghanistan topped their group in the 50-over competition ahead of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

They also tied a match with heavyweights India in the last-four stage.

That performance, in particular, gave the side renewed hope as they prepare for the World Cup.

‘We have the talent and we have the skills,’ Khan told AFP in an interview.

‘How we played in the Asia Cup was totally different and we showed that we can beat any side.

‘The only thing is to believe in your skills. Just to be relaxed in big matches and enjoy your game.

‘And that’s how we should be in the World Cup.’

Khan will now turn to the IPL to help him build momentum ahead of the World Cup.

Khan was signed by the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2017 for $597,000 and became one of the first Afghanistan players to receive an IPL contract.

He was one of the tournaments best bowlers, taking 21 wickets to help his side to the final.

‘The IPL gives you lot of motivation. Once you play in these leagues, it gives you confidence playing with big players,’ said Khan.

‘And then you perform there on flat wickets like the IPL and that gives you a kind of satisfaction and confidence that you can deliver when you are in the national side.’