It's pretty hard to accept Afghan's retirement, says Rashid

Asghar Afghan, who has been a part of all seven major ICC tournaments that Afghanistan have participated in, announced his retirement from all formats of the game with his final game coming against Namibia in the Super 12 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 on Sunday. Afghanistan gave a fitting farewell to the former captain as they notched up a convincing 62-run over Namibia on Sunday to keep their semifinal hopes alive in the tournament.

Star Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan, on Sunday, said that Asghar Afghan has been his mentor and it is difficult for him to come to terms with his surprise retirement in the middle of the T20 World Cup.

"Its pretty hard to accept legendary @MAsgharAfghan's retirement. He has been a mentor to me & all the youngsters on the side. I am short of words to thank him for his exemplary service to @ACBofficials. His achievement &sacrifices r unmatched. U will b dearly missed bro #respect," Rashid tweeted.

Afghan received a guard of honour from the Namibian fielders when he walked in to bat in the T20 World Cup clash. He scored 31 in his last match and was congratulated by the Namibian and fellow Afghanistan players, who lined-up just outside the boundary ropes.

The 33-year-old Afghan played six Tests, 114 ODIs and 75 T20Is, including the Namibia match, in a creditable career, scoring 4246 runs across formats.

(With inputs from PTI)