"No issues as far as the unity of our team is concerned" - Karim Janat on heated incident with Rashid Khan in T20 World Cup 2024 match
Afghanistan's bowling all-rounder Karim Janat has opened up on the heated incident involving him and Rashid Khan during their T20 World Cup 2024 match against Bangladesh in Kingstown. The 25-year-old claimed that it's normal for tempers to flare in the heat of a contest and that there's no lingering ill-feeling in the squad.
With the ball skewing off the outside edge of Rashid's bat in the final over of the innings, the captain had gotten ready to come back for the second run. However, Janar denying him the run made Rashid furious enough that he tried to throw his bat towards his teammate. As a result, the Afghanistan captain received a demerit point and an official reprimand.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Janat said such incidents are a part and parcel of any game and reckons Afghanistan's ability to stay together as a unit propelled them to the semi-finals.
"The ball went to the fielder and we couldn't get two runs as a result. That is why he [Rashid] was a bit disturbed. And during a match, a lot of things like that can happen. Like the bowlers can get angry if there is a mis-field but the important thing is how you adapt and stay as a unit. There are no issues as far as the unity of our team is concerned."
He continued:
"We are like brothers and more importantly we celebrate each other's success and that is why we did well. We don't have any ego."
Afghanistan finished with 115 in their allotted 20 overs against Bangladesh in a rain-curtailed contest, which proved to be just enough. However, South Africa demolished Afghanistan in the semi-finals.
"When Rashid took over as captain two years ago, he picked 20 to 25 players" - Karim Janat
Janat said that Rashid's vision is to ensure continuity with the 15 players he has chosen and giving as much exposure as possible to the junior players. He added:
"When Rashid took over as captain two years ago, he picked 20 to 25 players and he has been carrying them for the last two years. There are young and senior players and he chose the best 15 for the World Cup from that group. And once you carry the juniors with you, they learn something and get comfortable... we will be playing the next World Cup with these young players and they will have learned something and be better prepared."
Afghanistan defeated sides like New Zealand, Australia, and Bangladesh on their way to the semi-finals.