‘Individual hard work behind Afghans’ success in T20s’

Afghanistan's dashing opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz shares a special bond with Bangladesh, having made his international and franchise debuts here in 2019. Since then, the 24-year-old has made a name for himself, with his aggressive batting and sharp wicketkeeping skills increasing his demand in franchise cricket around the globe, as he emerged as one of Afghanistan's key players. Now representing Dhaka Capitals in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Gurbaz spoke to The Daily Star's Samsul Arefin Khan about his experience in Bangladesh, the presence of his brother Masood Gurbaz in the same tournament with Chattogram Royals, and Afghanistan's ambitions at the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. The excerpts are as follows: 

The Daily Star (DS): Tell us about your experience in the BPL.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (RG): The BPL was my first franchise league, and from here I went on to play in other leagues. I had a very good experience. The people are nice, the fans are amazing, and they support us everywhere -- both inside and outside Bangladesh. I really love playing here in Bangladesh.

DS: How do you prepare yourself while playing in Bangladesh, where the surface can be tricky?

RG: For me, cricket is cricket. It doesn't matter whether it's the [Indian Premier League] IPL, the BPL or anywhere else. I just respect the game and play it with love. I'm happy here, making many friends and receiving a lot of love, which is what every player wants. I try my best to give something back, and I think that's the best way to live.

DS: Afghanistan players now represent franchise leagues worldwide. What is the recipe behind your success?

RG: I would say individual hard work. Everyone works really hard, which is why you see Afghan players succeeding in leagues all over the world. There is a lot of natural talent in Afghanistan. We may not have as many facilities as some other countries, but with what we have, I think we are one of the strongest teams. I'm also very happy with our cricket board at the moment -- they are working hard to improve facilities, and we really appreciate that.

DS: Afghanistan is set to relaunch its own franchise league after 2018. What are your thoughts on that?

RG: The [Afghanistan Premier League] APL will be a great opportunity for Afghan players. It will help young players earn money and support themselves. Most importantly, it will help us identify new talent.

DS: What is the key to being a successful opener?

RG: Again, it's individual hard work. I love the game, I love practice, and I love working hard. There's one simple belief: if not today, maybe tomorrow; if not tomorrow, one day you will get the result. What you see now is the result of six, seven, or even ten years of hard work. I'm grateful for whatever I have achieved – for my country, my family, and everything else. I've achieved my dreams, and that's very special.

DS: Are you looking forward to a face-off with your brother, Masood Gurbaz, in this BPL?

RG: He's a talented young player and still has time to improve his skills. This is a very good opportunity for him to show his talent to the world. He follows what I do in cricket, but I always tell him not to copy me -- just learn from the discipline and the work ethic. 

DS: Like you, he also made his BPL debut early in his career. Does that make it extra special?

RG: That's exactly why I'm happy for him. I hope the BPL brings him good luck as well. He deserves to play in other leagues because he has the ability. My dream is also to play alongside him in the same team one day, and that our names would come side-by-side 'Gurbaz, Gurbaz'.

DS: What's your take on Afghanistan being placed in a tough T20 World Cup group alongside South Africa and New Zealand?

RG: We've already played against them and beaten them before. For us, it's simple -- we don't care who the opponent is, whether it's Canada, South Africa or New Zealand. The ball and bat are the same for everyone. We respect all teams, but on the day, whoever plays better cricket will win. We are not a small team anymore.

DS: You travel constantly and play all over the world. How do you maintain your fitness?

RG: When you have a busy schedule, you need to understand your body -- how to rest and recover. I take care of myself through gym, proper food, and good sleep. I spend time with my family and friends and keep motivating myself. Mental strength is the key when you travel and play this much.