Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai met with cricket star Rashid Khan at Kabul Airport. This significant encounter occurred as Karzai, after more than a year, was granted permission by the Taliban government to travel abroad. Meanwhile, Rashid Khan, who had returned to Afghanistan after a four-year hiatus, was on his way to the West Indies to participate in the T20 World Cup.
According to Shahzada Masoud, a close associate of Karzai, “Today, former President Hamid Karzai left for Germany for medical treatment, and Rashid Khan departed for the World Cup.”
Since the Taliban’s return to power, Karzai has remained in Kabul with his family under strict surveillance. Sources close to Karzai told Afghan Insight that he had received travel invitations from several countries, including Germany, China, and Iran, but the Taliban previously denied permission. Karzai is now allowed to travel to Germany for minor eye surgery. He had also traveled to Germany and the United Kingdom in 2023 after the Taliban’s resurgence.
After spending a few days in Afghanistan, Rashid Khan is set to travel again. The renowned cricket star returned to Afghanistan on May 18 after four years abroad. The Afghanistan Cricket Board attributed his absence to a busy playing schedule.
In an interview with the Cricket Board’s media section in Kabul, Rashid Khan mentioned that during his brief stay, he visited his home province, Nangarhar, and met with fans and friends in Kabul. He left for the West Indies on Monday to lead the Afghan team in the T20 World Cup. The Afghanistan Cricket Board stated on Sunday that other Afghan players had already arrived at Saint Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean to conduct a ten-day training camp in preparation for the major tournament.
This news highlights the recent activities of two prominent Afghan figures, shedding light on the political and sporting developments in Afghanistan.