Shahidi is known for his calm demeanor and composed leadership. The captain discussed the team's journey, Afghanistan's unique relationship with cricket, and their aspirations for the future. The match, scheduled to take place in Greater Noida on September 9, 2024, marks another milestone in Afghanistan's cricketing history. Afghanistan's Growth and India's Role Shahidi began the conversation with a heartfelt reflection on Afghanistan's cricketing rise. He highlighted how India has played a significant role in providing Afghanistan with support, facilities, and a sense of belonging. "When we come to India, we get so much love that it feels like our second home," Shahidi shared. "India and Afghanistan have a deep bond, not just in cricket but also in culture and friendship." The captain also acknowledged the potential for a fierce cricketing rivalry between India and Afghanistan, similar to the much-talked-about India-Pakistan rivalry. "When we face India, it's always a good battle. Though we haven't defeated India yet, I believe in the future we will, and the excitement will only grow," he said with optimism. Leadership and Sacrifice Shahidi, who has led the Afghanistan team through challenging times, shared his thoughts on leadership. For him, being a captain means putting the team first and keeping egos in check. "A good leader is someone who brings the team together. You have to sacrifice and think about the team before yourself," Shahidi reflected. "I try to lead from the front, especially during high-pressure situations. My focus is always on creating a positive environment for the boys." He also opened up about the emotional aspect of representing Afghanistan on the international stage. "There's a special feeling when you play for your country. The love for our people is what drives us. When we perform well, it brings joy to the nation, and that's our ultimate motivation."

Memorable Moments and Achievements Shahidi reminisced about one of the proudest moments in Afghanistan's cricket history-defeating England in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. "When we beat England, it was an emotional moment for me. I had tears in my eyes while shaking hands with the England players," Shahidi revealed. "It was a dream come true. That victory gave our team the belief that we can beat the best in the world." The captain also spoke about Afghanistan's historic victory over Pakistan in the same World Cup, a match where Shahidi himself played a crucial role. "Scoring 48 runs and hitting the finishing shot against Pakistan was one of the proudest moments of my career. It's something I will cherish for a lifetime." Challenges of Playing Without a Permanent Home Ground Afghanistan's cricket team has faced significant challenges due to the absence of a permanent home ground. Shahidi, however, emphasized the team's resilience in overcoming these hurdles. "Playing without a fixed home ground is tough, but we have learned to adapt. It's the love for the game and our country that keeps us going," he said. "We're mentally strong, and that's what makes us unique as a team. Every time we step onto the field, we are driven by the desire to bring happiness to our people."

Looking Ahead to the New Zealand Test As Afghanistan prepares for the Test match against New Zealand, Shahidi expressed his determination to excel in the longest format of the game. "Test cricket is the ultimate challenge, and we are eager to perform well against a strong team like New Zealand," he stated. "Our victory against Bangladesh in the Test format has inspired us, and we will give our best in this match as well." Shahidi signed off the interview with a message of hope for Afghanistan's cricket future. "Our journey is about going up and up. Every match, every achievement is for our people. We want to keep making them proud." As Afghanistan continues to rise in the cricketing world, Shahidi's leadership and the team's dedication to the game serve as a testament to the nation's resilience and passion. With the Test match against New Zealand just around the corner, all eyes will be on Shahidi and his men as they aim to script yet another historic chapter in their cricketing journey.