Afghanistan’s cricketer Rashid Khan has opened up about the extreme security measures he must take while in his home country, revealing that he relies on a bulletproof car for personal safety. In a candid interview with former England captain Kevin Pietersen, the world's premier T20 leg-spinner explained that he cannot freely walk the streets of Kabul.
Rashid’s admission left Pietersen visibly stunned regarding the contrast between the cricketer’s global celebrity status and the sobering reality of his daily life in his homeland.
During the conversation, Rashid described the armored vehicle as a necessity rather than a luxury. “I can't walk in the street in Afghanistan. I have a bulletproof car,” Rashid stated matter-of-factly. When Pietersen asked why such precautions were necessary, Rashid explained, “It's for safety. You don't want to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's normal in Afghanistan. Everyone has it.”
For Rashid, the word “normal” reflects a life lived amid constant instability, where even stepping outside remains a calculated risk for a high-profile citizen.
The leg-spinner, who is arguably Afghanistan's most famous citizen, noted that his success in global leagues like the IPL and Big Bash brings a level of perceived wealth and visibility that requires constant security. While he spends much of his time based in Dubai due to its proximity to Afghanistan and the strong diaspora there, returning home involves navigating a landscape of unpredictable security risks.
Despite the inability to walk freely in his own city, Rashid continues to represent Afghanistan with immense pride. His remarks provide a rare glimpse into the personal sacrifices and safety concerns faced by Afghan athletes who carry the hopes of their nation while performing on the world stage.