Rashid Khan’s brother passes away, Pakistan team pays tribute after T20 match

Afghanistan cricket captain Rashid Khan is mourning the loss of his elder brother, Haji Abdul Halim Shinwari, who passed away last week. The 26-year-old star cricketer, currently leading Afghanistan in the ongoing tri-series in Sharjah, has received an overwhelming wave of condolences from the global cricketing community. Among the many gestures of support was a heartfelt tribute from the Pakistan team.

A viral video from the first T20I between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday showed Babar Azam’s side paying their respects to Rashid’s late brother, a moment that earned widespread praise from fans.

Afghanistan players were among the first to share the tragic news on social media. Opener Ibrahim Zadran wrote on X: “Saddened to hear about the passing of Rashid Khan's elder brother Haji Abdul Halim. An elder brother is like a father to the family. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. My heartfelt condolences to @rashidkhan_19 and his family.”



Former Afghanistan skipper Asghar Afghan also expressed sorrow, saying: “It is with deep sorrow that I learned of the passing of the elder brother of @rashidkhan_19 (Haji Abdul Halim Shinwari). May Allah grant him the highest ranks of Paradise (Jannat al-Firdaus) and bestow beautiful patience upon their esteemed family. Ameen.”

Despite the devastating loss, Rashid took the field in the series opener, where Pakistan scored 182/7 and bowled Afghanistan out for 143, securing a 39-run victory. Rashid put up a brave fight with a late cameo of 39 off 16 balls.

For Afghanistan, however, the match result was eclipsed by their captain’s heartbreaking personal tragedy — one that has united the cricketing world in grief and sympathy.

[With inputs from TOI]