Debasis Sen, Dubai: Remember William Shakespeare’s famous quote “What’s in a name” . Ask Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan, he has a different views altogether. According to Asghar, “Everything is there in a name”. The 30-year-old right-hand middle-order batsman and captain of the national team has recently changed his name from Asghar Stanikzai to Asghar Afghan.
“Stanikzai is a common family name in our country. Our captain wanted to change his family name and add the name of the country”, said the team’s media manager Hamkar to Xtra Time.
According to the man himself, “I am pleased to have included the word Afghan in my name as we are all known as Afghans all over the world. It is a great pride to represent my country.”
Asghar has registered his new name for the Electronic Identity Card and for that he has completed most of the formalities.
There have been instances of international cricketers, who have changed their names. Sri Lanka’s Tuwan Mohammad Dilshan had changed to Tilakaratne Dilshan at the age of 16 and Mohamed Marshuk Mohamed Suraj to Suraj Randiv. Pakistan’s Yousuf Yohana had changed his religion and name to Mohammad Yousuf.
There are handful cricketers having country’s name linked with their own names.