Rashid Latif continues with the ACB

Rashid Latif during a training session in Kabul last month.

Rashid Latif has changed his mind and decided to continue working for the Afghanistan Cricket Board. Rashid will continue on the same previously agreed terms, the ACB says.

The ACB says in a press release that it was talking to Rashid Latif for last few days to continue with the ACB and finally accepted to continue as Afghanistan’s coach.

Rashid is currently in the UK and will join the Afghan national squad in Sharjah where the squad will be holding its training camp from 18 to 26 September preparing for Kenya tour. Afghanistan will play its last group match in the ICC Intercontinental Cup in Kenya.

Rashid has earlier resigned from his post as Afghanistan’s batting coach after the ACB could meet his increased demands for more benefits.

As Rashid’s return will be comforting news for some in Afghanistan, it equally raises questions on his sudden decision to resign honoring his friendship with coach Kabir Khan who has “resigned” before him and his sudden decision to re join the ACB.

Dr. Hamid Shinwari, the Chief Executive Officer of the ACB, says Rashid understood that the ACB cannot afford more than earlier agreed payment with him, and therefore decided to resume “serving Afghan cricket”. Hamid says he welcomes Rashid’s decision and hopes the national squad benefits from his experience.

Former coach Kabir Khan posted a message on face book saying “Its good decision from both Rashid and ACB … one more thing for ACB that Rashid never left because of me and its proven now. He is a good friend but a very professional person.”

Shinwari says the Afghan national squad has important tours ahead and it is important to have an excellent coach.

Afghanistan is touring Kenya on 2nd of October to play a four day match in the ICC Intercontinental Cup and three ODI matches with the host country. In November, Afghanistan will be touring China to participate in the Asian Games. If Afghanistan qualifies for the final of I Cup, it will be playing it in the UAE in December. The Date for the I Cup final in December yet to be decided after the ACB requested ICC to reschedule it as it will clash with Afghanistan's tour to China.