Strikers star Rashid Khan reveals why he is continuing to play in BBL08 despite death of father

Strikers superstar Rashid Khan says he is continuing to play in BBL08 to honour his late father and out of respect for his teammates and the Adelaide fans.

Rashid Khan of the Strikers celebrates after dismissing Cameron White of the Renegades on Thursday. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

• Striking back: Adelaide surges up table
• Khan to stay despite death of father

Strikers superstar Rashid Khan says he is continuing to play in BBL08 to honour his late father and out of respect for his teammates and the Adelaide fans.

After producing another gamebreaking display in the Strikers’ 32-run win against the Melbourne Renegades in Geelong on Thursday night, Afghan leg-spinner Rashid said his family encouraged him to stay in Australia and continue to play in the Twenty20 competition following the death of his father on Sunday.

Rashid Khan hits out during his quickfire 21 not out from seven balls against the Melbourne Renegades. Picture: JULIAN SMITH (AAP)

“It’s been a very tough week for me because I lost my dad at a very crucial time but I’m very, very thankful to my family, especially my mum, my brothers, my nephews,’’ he said after making a quickfire 21 not out from seven balls and taking 1/18 off four overs.

“They were encouraging me a lot from back home and saying ‘you have to be there, you have to play for us, you have to play for your dad’.

“And the support of my teammates and the fans in Adelaide has been tremendous on and off the field.

“They’ve given me lots of love and respect and have kept me alive, fresh and fine and given me the love of more than (just) my family.

“I don’t feel like I’m alone here. The whole of Australia is my family, everyone is looking after me.’’

Rashid, the world’s No. 2 ranked one-day international bowler, is a former opening batsman who showed just how handy he is with the bat with a swashbuckling knock against the Renegades.

Strikers teammates mob Rashid Khan after dismissing Cameron White of the Renegades during the Big Bash League in Geelong. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Batting at No. 8, he joined Jono Wells in taking 31 off the last two overs of the defending champion Strikers’ innings in a crucial, match-defining partnership.

Arguably the BBL’s best player, Rashid has committed to playing out the rest of BBL08 but could briefly return to Afghanistan to see his family during a break in the Strikers’ schedule between January 14-20.

“I’m really enjoying myself in Australia,’’ Rashid told Channel 7.

“The support I get from the crowd, everyone, is tremendous and it’s a totally different (T20 competition) than the other leagues.

“It’s great and I just enjoy myself here.’’