Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif has said that Rashid Khan has helped Afghanistan cricket get recognition and he is greater than Wasim Akram in stature. He apologised soon, having understood the impact of the statement he made and was quick enough to explain his reasons for having made such a statement, which raised quite a few eyebrows.

Speaking on Hasna Mana Hai, a talk show on Geo News, Latif said that he based his claim on who had a bigger impact on the country's cricketing history.

Latif said that Rashid put Afghanistan on cricket's world map amidst his emergence as a star bowler across formats, in T20s, where he now holds the record for being the highest wicket-taker with 634 scalps.

“Rashid has brought Afghanistan on the map, he has helped them get recognition. He is greater than Wasim Akram. I am sorry to say but Rashid’s stature is bigger," Latif said.

“I have only one piece of advice for Rashid Khan. ‘Improve your test team and play more Tests against Pakistan," Latif said.

At the 2023 ODI World Cup, Afghanistan won four out of their nine matches, including wins against defending champions England and Pakistan. They continued their impressive form into the T20 World Cup last year, beating Australia in the group stage and qualifying for the semifinals.

Rashid picked 11 wickets in nine matches at the ODI World Cup at an impressive economy of 4.49. He also picked up 14 wickets in eight matches at an economy of 6.17 in the T20 World Cup.

Afghanistan will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against South Africa on February 21 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi and although ODI World Cup semifinalists Proteans are touted as the favourites in the contest, one would never count the Afghans out of the game.

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