Watch: Babar Azam & Haris Rauf greet Afghanistan's Rashid Khan as he arrives in Pakistan for Champions Trophy

The star leg spinner of Afghanistan's Men's National Cricket Team, Rashid Khan, has joined the rest of his teammates in the city of Karachi, Pakistan ahead of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025. The Afghanistani squad arrived in the city after taking part in a warm-up match in the city of Lahore. Upon arrival at the team's hotel, the 26-year-old was greeted by the Pakistani duo of Babar Azam & Haris Rauf. 

It's worth mentioning that the Afghan Atalans had initially reached the city of Lahore on the 12th of February for the preparations for the Champions Trophy. The entire squad and support staff were escorted to the team hotel from the airport with tight security personnel guarding them. 

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) shared the video of the spinner's arrival in Lahore on their social-media handles, capturing the star player's arrival at the team hotel. "Look who just arrived! King Rashid Khan receives a warm welcome as he arrives at the team hotel in the city of Karachi."

Watch the video here - https://x.com/ACBofficials/status/1890976361130438668

The video of the leg spinner's arrival quickly went viral, showcasing the warm reception he received from the Pakistani players. Haris Rauf, known for consistently touching the 145+ kmph mark, greeted the 26-year-old with a smile, hug & a handshake, while Babar Azam, the former Pakistani skipper, and a top-notch player, engaged in a friendly chat with the Afghan spinner.

Afghanistan's difficult beginning before the Champions Trophy

Afghanistan is hoping to recover from a difficult start to its Champions Trophy preparations, and Rashid's arrival comes at a crucial moment. Afghanistan was soundly defeated by the Pakistan Shaheens in their opening warm-up game. With outstanding efforts from Hussain Talat (70 runs), Mohsin Riaz (61 runs), and Mohammad Irfan Khan (57 runs), the Shaheens amassed a commanding 314/8 in their 50 overs. Afghanistan's batting order collapsed to 170 all out in 38.4 overs as they were unable to handle the pressure. Shadab Khan, the captain of the Shaheens, took the lead with the ball, taking 3/29 and destroying Afghanistan's batting order.

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