Overview

• Afghanistan were knocked out in the Asia Cup 2025 group stage after defeats to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the UAE.
• Speaking before the Sharjah T20Is against Bangladesh, Rashid Khan said the 'second-best' label was created by media and fans, not by the team.
• He criticized the mockery that followed the exit as unfair and unhelpful.
• Rashid noted the team had played few T20Is in recent months, saying the lack of match practice affected cohesion.
• He cast the three-match Bangladesh series as part of building a balanced squad for the next T20 World Cup, saying short-term results matter less than preparation.