Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has stirred controversy by declaring Afghanistan's Rashid Khan a "greater" cricketer than legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram, while Afghanistan faces a setback ahead of the Champions Trophy. Legacy discussion Speaking on Geo News' talk show "Hasna Mana Hai," Latif emphasised Khan's transformative impact on Afghan cricket. "Rashid has brought Afghanistan on the map, he has helped them get recognition," Latif stated, adding emphatically, "He is greater than Wasim Akram. I am sorry to say but Rashid's stature is bigger." Future challenge The 56-year-old Latif, who represented Pakistan in 37 Tests and 166 ODIs, urged Khan to focus on Test cricket development. "I have only one piece of advice for Rashid Khan. 'Improve your test team and play more Test matches against Pakistan,'" he advised. Tournament setback As Afghanistan prepares for their Champions Trophy campaign, beginning against South Africa on February 21 in Karachi, they face a significant blow. Off-spinner AM Ghazanfar has been ruled out of both the Champions Trophy and IPL due to a lower back injury. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed on social media: "AM Ghazanfar has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy due to a fracture in the L4 vertebra, specifically in the left pars interarticularis." The injury, sustained during Zimbabwe tour, requires a minimum four-month recovery period. Squad and schedule Afghanistan's campaign includes matches against England and Australia following their opener against South Africa. Afghanistan Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Ibrahim Zadran, Ikram Alikhil (wicketkeeper), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah (vice-captain), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fareeh Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Nangeyalia Kharote, Naveed Zadran, Noor Ahmad.Original Article