Mujeeb Ur Rahman: a role model for Afghan youth

Young cricketer Mujeeb Ur Rahman, has been signed by the English Hampshire club for the T20 Blast tournament, according to reports from France24.

Mujeeb proved himself amongst cricket superstars at his first international appearance in December last year and was one of the main players behind Afghanistan’s success in qualifying for the cricket World Cup in England next year. He has been playing for, Indian team Kings XI Punjab, since January this year for the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“He’s been one of the finds of the IPL, so he comes in great form. He is one of the leading bowlers in the IPL and he brings something completely different. Not a lot of guys will have faced him,” said Hampshire director of cricket Giles White.

“It is a great honor for me to play domestic cricket in England and I am very much looking forward to this latest challenge in my career so far. I hope I can help Hampshire be successful during my time with the team this year,” Mujeeb said.

Cricket is one of the most popular sports in Afghanistan, with thousands of Afghans watching the IPL competition, with young Afghan players, like Mujeeb and Rashid Khan capturing the hearts and minds of millions of Afghan teens across the country.

Zahid is one among many Afghan cricket fans. He left school back in 2016 and tried to make his way to Europe. After a year in Turkey, he returned back to Kabul in March. Zahid is now studying in high school and has also started playing cricket.

He told The Migrant Project that he wants to make his country proud of him.

“My family pushed me to move toward Europe. But when I crossed into Turkey from Iran, the borders were closed. I lived in Turkey without any clear future and I wasn’t able to pursue my ambition there, so I returned back to Afghanistan. I want to be a professional cricket player like Rashid Khan and Mujeeb so that I can help my country earn global pride and respect,” he told The Migrant Project.

Photo credit: SAcricket website
Photo caption: Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Ur Rahman (left) in action

TMP – 15/06/2018