The wife of Rashid Khan has remained one of cricket’s most intriguing mysteries, with millions of fans worldwide curious about the woman who stands beside Afghanistan’s legendary leg-spinner.
Afghan cricket sensation Rashid Khan, born September 20, 1998, married in October 2024 in a grand traditional ceremony in Kabul, though he has kept his wife’s identity strictly private.
In a stunning development, Rashid confirmed a second marriage in August 2025, sparking widespread speculation across social media platforms.
While rumors suggest his second wife may be Afghan model Layloma, whose name begins with the letter “L,” Rashid has not officially confirmed these details.
This comprehensive guide explores everything known about Rashid Khan’s marriages, the viral Google confusion with Anushka Sharma, his family background, and the cultural context surrounding his private personal life in 2026.
Quick Facts About Wife of Rashid Khan
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| First Wife’s Name | Undisclosed (Maternal cousin, reportedly) |
| First Marriage Date | October 3, 2024 |
| First Marriage Location | Kabul, Afghanistan |
| Second Wife’s Name | Undisclosed (Rumored: Layloma) |
| Second Marriage Date | August 2, 2025 |
| Second Marriage Type | Nikah ceremony |
| Wife’s Nationality | Afghan (Presumed) |
| Public Appearances | Limited; maintains strict privacy |
| Identity Status | Not publicly revealed |
| Rashid Khan’s Age | 27 years old (as of 2026) |
| Rashid’s Profession | Professional Cricketer, Leg-spinner |
| Rashid’s Net Worth | ₹85-100 crore ($10-12 million) |
| Marriage Custom | Traditional Pashtun/Islamic ceremony |
| Children | Not publicly disclosed |
| Social Media Presence | Private/Non-existent |
| Google Confusion (2020) | Anushka Sharma mistakenly shown as wife |
Who is Rashid Khan? Afghanistan’s Cricket Superstar
Rashid Khan Arman is an Afghan international cricketer widely regarded as one of the greatest leg-spin bowlers in modern cricket history. Born on September 20, 1998, in Nangarhar, Afghanistan, he comes from a humble Shinwari Pashtun family that once operated a tire business before fleeing war-torn Afghanistan for Pakistan.
At just 27 years old in 2026, Rashid has achieved what many cricketers dream of throughout entire careers. He captains Afghanistan’s T20I team and has become a global T20 franchise star, playing for Gujarat Titans in the IPL, Adelaide Strikers in BBL, and multiple other leagues worldwide.
His rise from playing tape-ball cricket in Pakistani refugee camps to becoming the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Decade (2020) represents one of cricket’s most inspiring success stories. His devastating leg-spin, aggressive lower-order batting, and match-winning abilities have made him a household name across cricket-loving nations.
Rashid Khan’s First Marriage: October 2024
On October 3, 2024, Rashid Khan entered married life in a grand traditional ceremony held in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital. The wedding followed Pashtun cultural customs and created massive buzz across Afghan and international cricket communities.
What made this wedding particularly unique was that Rashid’s three brothers also got married on the same day, in the same venue. This simultaneous celebration reflects traditional Pashtun customs where families organize collective weddings to share joy and reduce individual financial burdens.
The wedding venue in Kabul attracted large crowds, with high security visible throughout the premises. Many security personnel carried firearms, reflecting the complex security situation in Afghanistan. Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the event maintained traditional modesty and cultural values.
Prominent Afghan cricketers attended the ceremony, including Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Naseeb Khan. The Afghanistan Cricket Board also extended official congratulations through social media, showcasing the cricket fraternity’s support for their star player.
The Mystery Surrounding First Wife’s Identity
Despite the public nature of the wedding ceremony, Rashid Khan has never revealed his first wife’s name, face, or any identifying details. No photographs of the bride circulated online, and media outlets respected this privacy throughout their coverage.
According to some reports, Rashid’s first wife is his maternal cousin, which is culturally acceptable and common in Pashtun and many Muslim communities. Cousin marriages often strengthen family bonds and maintain wealth within extended families in traditional societies.
The decision to keep his wife’s identity private demonstrates Rashid’s commitment to protecting his family from public scrutiny. In conservative Afghan culture, women’s privacy is highly valued, and many families prefer keeping female members away from media attention.
This privacy extends to all aspects of her life—her age, education, profession (if any), family background, and current activities remain completely unknown to the public. Rashid has successfully maintained this boundary despite intense media interest and fan curiosity.
Rashid Khan’s Second Marriage: August 2025
In November 2025, photographs emerged showing Rashid Khan with a woman at a charity event in the Netherlands. The images sparked immediate speculation about whether Rashid had taken a second wife, which is permissible under Islamic Sharia law.
After days of viral speculation, Rashid confirmed on Instagram that he had indeed married for the second time. He revealed the nikah (Islamic marriage ceremony) took place on August 2, 2025, just ten months after his first marriage.
In his Instagram post, Rashid wrote: “On August 2nd, I began a new and meaningful chapter of my life. I had my nikkah done and married a woman who embodies the love, peace, and partnership I always hoped for.” He clarified that the woman in the viral photographs was his wife who accompanied him to his charity foundation event.
Rashid emphasized: “It’s unfortunate to see assumptions being made from something so simple. The truth is straightforward—she is my wife, and we stand together with nothing to hide.” Despite this confirmation, he did not reveal her name, age, or background, maintaining the same privacy standards as with his first marriage.
Who is Layloma? The Rumored Second Wife
Following Rashid’s confirmation of his second marriage, social media speculation identified Afghan model Layloma as his possible second wife. However, these claims remain entirely unverified and based on circumstantial internet detective work rather than official confirmation.
The speculation emerged from analyzing Layloma’s private Instagram account, where her bio reportedly mentioned being engaged or married to someone whose name begins with “R.” Since Rashid mentioned his wife’s name starts with “L” in some social media hints, fans connected the dots.
Some viral posts claim Layloma is an Afghan model known for her striking beauty, with comparisons to Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai. Descriptions mention long black hair, captivating eyes, and elegant traditional Afghan attire that gives her a Bollywood heroine-like appearance.
However, it’s crucial to note that neither Rashid Khan nor anyone claiming to be Layloma has confirmed this connection. Layloma’s Instagram remains private, and she has made no public statements about the marriage rumors. All information linking her to Rashid comes from unverified social media posts.
The Viral Google Glitch: Anushka Sharma Confusion
One of the most amusing stories surrounding Rashid Khan’s marital status occurred in July 2020, long before his actual marriage. A Google algorithm glitch mistakenly displayed Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma as Rashid Khan’s wife in search results.
This bizarre error confused the internet because Anushka Sharma is famously married to Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli. When fans searched “Rashid Khan wife,” Google incorrectly showed Anushka’s name and photograph, creating viral memes and widespread confusion.
The glitch likely occurred because Rashid participated in an Instagram Q&A session where he named Anushka Sharma and Preity Zinta as his favorite Bollywood actresses. Google’s algorithm apparently interpreted this mention alongside search patterns for “Rashid Khan wife” and incorrectly connected the two.
Rashid himself addressed the confusion with humor, stating publicly in 2020: “I will get engaged and married once Afghanistan wins the cricket World Cup.” At that time, he emphasized being unmarried and completely focused on cricket, making the Google error even more absurd.
Understanding Polygamy in Islamic and Pashtun Culture
Rashid Khan’s two marriages may surprise Western audiences unfamiliar with Islamic marriage laws. However, polygamy (specifically polygyny—one man marrying multiple women) is permissible under Islamic Sharia law, which Rashid follows as a practicing Muslim.
Islamic law permits Muslim men to marry up to four wives simultaneously, provided they can treat all wives with equal fairness, justice, and financial support. The Quran explicitly states this permission while emphasizing the responsibility and justice required.
In Pashtun culture, polygamous marriages are relatively common, though not universal. They often occur for various reasons including family alliances, providing for widows, ensuring male heirs, or simply personal choice within religious boundaries.
For Rashid, marrying twice within one year is completely within his religious and cultural rights. The timing—just ten months between marriages—sparked discussion online but remains his personal decision consistent with his faith and cultural background.
Wife of Rashid Khan: What We Know
Despite intense public interest, concrete information about Rashid Khan’s wives remains extremely limited. Here’s what we can confirm:
First Wife: Married October 3, 2024, in Kabul. Reportedly his maternal cousin according to some sources. Identity, name, age, and all personal details remain undisclosed. No photographs have ever circulated publicly.
Second Wife: Married August 2, 2025, via nikah ceremony. Rumored (unconfirmed) to be Afghan model Layloma. Name reportedly begins with letter “L” based on social media hints. First publicly seen with Rashid at charity event in Netherlands, November 2025.
Common Characteristics: Both wives maintain complete privacy. Neither has social media presence or gives interviews. Both marriages followed traditional Islamic ceremonies. Rashid has protected their identities consistently despite global media interest.
Rashid Khan’s Family Background
Rashid Khan was born into a large Shinwari Pashtun family in Nangarhar, eastern Afghanistan. He has ten siblings—six brothers and four sisters—making his family unit quite large by modern standards but typical for traditional Pashtun families.
His father, whose name hasn’t been publicly disclosed, passed away in December 2018, a devastating loss that occurred just as Rashid’s international cricket career was taking off. His mother, also unnamed publicly, passed away in June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These tragic losses deeply affected Rashid, who often speaks about family values and the importance of honoring his parents’ memory through his achievements. Despite his fame and wealth, he maintains strong connections with his siblings and extended family.
His family once owned a tire business in Nangarhar before the Afghan war forced them to flee. They lived as refugees in Pakistan for several years, where Rashid developed his cricket skills playing tape-ball matches in the streets with his brothers.
Rashid Khan’s Net Worth and Earnings in 2026
As of 2026, Rashid Khan’s estimated net worth ranges between ₹85-100 crore (approximately $10-12 million USD). This substantial wealth makes him Afghanistan’s richest cricketer and one of the highest-earning spin bowlers globally.
Primary Income Sources
Indian Premier League (IPL): Rashid plays for Gujarat Titans after spending five seasons with Sunrisers Hyderabad. His IPL contract reportedly earns him ₹15 crore annually, making him one of the tournament’s highest-paid players. Gujarat Titans won the IPL title in their debut 2022 season with Rashid as a key player.
International Cricket: As Afghanistan’s star player and T20I captain, Rashid earns match fees, performance bonuses, and central contract payments from the Afghanistan Cricket Board. While these payments are modest compared to IPL earnings, they provide steady income.
Global T20 Leagues: Rashid plays in multiple franchise leagues including Australia’s Big Bash League (Adelaide Strikers), Pakistan Super League (Lahore Qalandars), Major League Cricket (MI New York), and Afghanistan’s Shpageeza Cricket League (Band-e-Amir Dragons). Each league provides six-figure contracts.
Brand Endorsements: Major brands across cricket equipment, sports apparel, beverages, and consumer products sponsor Rashid. His global recognition and clean image make him valuable for advertisers seeking to reach cricket audiences.
Charity Work: While not a revenue source, Rashid’s foundation focuses on education, healthcare, and clean water initiatives across Afghanistan. His philanthropic work enhances his public image and creates positive social impact.
Rashid Khan’s Cricket Career Achievements
Rashid Khan’s professional achievements justify his celebrity status and explain why his personal life attracts such intense interest.
He made his ODI debut for Afghanistan against Zimbabwe on October 18, 2015, at just 17 years old. His T20I debut followed on October 26, 2015, also against Zimbabwe. These early starts allowed him to accumulate impressive career statistics while still in his twenties.
In 2017, Rashid became the first Afghan player ever to participate in the Indian Premier League when Sunrisers Hyderabad purchased him for ₹4 crore. This breakthrough opened doors for other Afghan cricketers and established Rashid as a global T20 star.
His Test debut came in June 2018 against India—Afghanistan’s inaugural Test match. Though he conceded 154 runs in the first innings (most expensive debut figures), this historic match marked Afghanistan’s entry into cricket’s elite Test-playing nations.
In September 2019, at just 20 years and 350 days old, Rashid became the youngest cricketer ever to captain a Test match side when he led Afghanistan against Bangladesh. This record-breaking achievement showcased the trust placed in his leadership abilities.
Career Highlights and Records
Rashid Khan holds numerous cricket records demonstrating his exceptional talent:
- ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Decade (2020): This prestigious award recognized his dominance in T20 cricket throughout the 2010s decade.
- Fastest to 100 T20I Wickets: Rashid reached this milestone in just 53 matches, the fastest in T20I history, showcasing his consistent wicket-taking ability.
- First Afghanistan Player with 10-Wicket Test Haul: This achievement came against Bangladesh, proving his effectiveness in longer formats beyond T20 cricket.
- Best T20I Bowling Figures by Afghan Player: His 5/3 against Ireland in 2017 remains Afghanistan’s best T20I bowling performance and joint fourth-best all-time globally.
- Youngest T20I Captain: He captained Afghanistan in T20Is at just 20 years old, demonstrating leadership maturity beyond his years.
Rashid Khan’s Playing Style and Strengths
Rashid Khan’s bowling combines deceptive leg-spin variations with remarkable accuracy and control. His stock ball turns from leg to off for right-handed batsmen, but his googly (turning the opposite direction) is nearly undetectable until after release.
He models his bowling action after Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi, his childhood idol. Like Afridi, Rashid possesses aggressive batting capabilities, often playing match-winning innings from positions 8-10 in the batting order.
His fielding and athleticism add additional value. Quick between wickets and safe-handed in the field, Rashid contributes positively even when not bowling or batting. This all-around capability makes him one of cricket’s most complete players.
Mental toughness under pressure defines Rashid’s approach. Whether defending small totals or chasing large targets, he maintains composure and executes plans effectively, earning respect from teammates and opponents alike.
Cultural Context: Privacy in Afghan Society
To understand why Rashid Khan keeps his wives’ identities private, one must appreciate Afghan cultural norms around women’s privacy and family honor. In conservative Pashtun society, protecting women from public exposure is considered a family responsibility and sign of respect.
Many Afghan families, even those with public figures, prefer keeping female members away from media attention. This isn’t necessarily about restriction but about maintaining traditional values around modesty, privacy, and protection from unwanted attention.
Rashid’s decision likely reflects both personal preference and cultural expectations. As Afghanistan’s most famous sports figure, he receives intense media scrutiny. Shielding his wives from this attention protects them from harassment, speculation, and the pressures of public life.
This approach contrasts sharply with Western celebrity culture where partners often share the spotlight. However, Rashid’s choices reflect his cultural background and values, which deserve respect regardless of different cultural norms elsewhere.
Public Reaction to Rashid’s Marriages
Rashid Khan’s marriages generated diverse reactions across different communities and cultures:
Afghan Cricket Fans: Generally supportive and respectful of his privacy. Afghan fans celebrate his marriages as natural life progression and appreciate his commitment to traditional values while achieving global success.
International Cricket Community: Mixed reactions ranging from curiosity about his wives to respect for cultural privacy. Some fans from cultures with different marriage norms expressed surprise at polygamy, while others appreciated the cultural context.
Social Media: Platforms exploded with speculation, memes, and discussions. The second marriage within ten months sparked particular debate, with some questioning the timing while others defended his religious and cultural rights.
Media Coverage: Sports journalists largely respected his privacy while covering the factual aspects of his marriages. However, tabloid-style outlets attempted to uncover wife identities, generally unsuccessfully.
Rashid’s Stance on Privacy and Personal Life
Throughout his career, Rashid Khan has drawn clear boundaries between professional cricket and personal life. He regularly shares cricket-related content on social media but rarely posts personal or family content.
In interviews, he deflects personal questions politely, redirecting conversations toward cricket, his charity work, or Afghanistan’s development. This consistent approach has trained media to respect his boundaries rather than constantly probing for personal information.
His Instagram post confirming the second marriage included a request for privacy: He asked fans and media to respect his wife’s desire for privacy and understand that not everything requires public disclosure. This reasonable request reflects modern perspectives on celebrity privacy rights.
By maintaining these boundaries, Rashid protects not just his wives but also other family members from unwanted attention. His approach allows him to enjoy public cricket career while preserving sacred private space for family life.
Rashid Khan’s Charity and Philanthropy
Beyond cricket, Rashid Khan dedicates significant time and resources to charitable work in Afghanistan. His Rashid Khan Foundation focuses on education, healthcare, and clean water access—critical needs in war-torn Afghanistan.
The foundation builds schools in rural areas, provides scholarships for underprivileged students, and supports educational programs emphasizing both traditional Islamic education and modern subjects. Education access, particularly for girls, remains severely limited in many Afghan regions.
Healthcare initiatives include mobile clinics, medical supply donations, and support for hospitals lacking basic equipment. Clean water projects bring safe drinking water to communities relying on contaminated sources, preventing waterborne diseases.
Rashid has announced plans to expand foundation activities in rural regions throughout 2026. These efforts demonstrate his commitment to using wealth and influence for positive social impact in his homeland.
Comparison with Other Cricket Marriages
Rashid Khan’s approach to marriage privacy contrasts with many international cricketers whose partners embrace public roles:
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma: Perhaps cricket’s most famous couple, they regularly appear together publicly, collaborate on business ventures, and share family moments on social media. Their openness contrasts sharply with Rashid’s privacy.
MS Dhoni and Sakshi Dhoni: While more private than Virat-Anushka, Sakshi still maintains public presence at matches and events. She’s photographed regularly and has her own public identity beyond being Dhoni’s wife.
Kane Williamson and Sarah Raheem: New Zealand’s captain maintains relative privacy but occasionally shares family photos. His approach falls between extreme privacy and full public exposure.
Rashid Khan’s Approach: Represents the most private end of the spectrum among contemporary cricket stars. His complete shielding of wives’ identities is unusual in modern cricket but consistent with his cultural background.
The Role of Social Media in Speculation
Social media platforms have become primary spaces where Rashid Khan’s marriage discussions unfold. Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook host countless posts analyzing photos, speculating about identities, and debating his personal choices.
The Layloma speculation originated entirely from social media detective work—fans analyzing Instagram bios, cross-referencing photos, and building theories without any official confirmation. This phenomenon reflects how social media enables crowd-sourced investigation into celebrity lives.
Rashid’s team monitors social media closely, occasionally releasing statements to correct misinformation or address rumors. However, they generally allow speculation to continue without engagement, recognizing that responding often fuels rather than dampens interest.
The viral spread of his wedding photos, despite efforts to keep ceremonies private, demonstrates how difficult controlling information has become in the smartphone era. Even traditional, private events can become global news within hours through social sharing.
Future Implications for Rashid’s Career
Rashid Khan’s marriages seem unlikely to significantly impact his cricket career. He continues performing at elite levels, maintaining his position as one of cricket’s premier spin bowlers across formats and leagues.
His 2026 IPL retention by Gujarat Titans signals continued confidence from franchises in his on-field abilities. Teams value his cricket skills above personal life considerations, recognizing that his marriages don’t affect match performance.
However, some potential impacts exist: Increased family responsibilities might reduce his availability for certain tournaments or create scheduling conflicts. Balancing two households (if both wives live separately) could complicate logistics.
His public image outside cricket-following audiences might experience minor shifts. Some brands preferring more conventional ambassador profiles might hesitate, while others won’t care about his personal life provided he performs professionally.
Life Lessons from Rashid Khan’s Journey
Rashid Khan’s rise from refugee camps to global cricket stardom offers powerful lessons:
Perseverance Through Adversity: Despite war, poverty, and refugee status, Rashid pursued cricket dreams relentlessly. His success proves that circumstances don’t determine destiny.
Family Values: Even with global fame and wealth, Rashid maintains strong family connections and traditional values. He honors parents’ memory through achievements and supports siblings despite demanding career.
Cultural Authenticity: Rather than abandoning Afghan identity for Western approval, Rashid proudly maintains cultural practices including traditional marriages. His authenticity earns respect across cultures.
Privacy as Power: By controlling personal information, Rashid maintains power over his narrative. He demonstrates that celebrities can set boundaries even in hyper-connected digital age.
Giving Back: His foundation work shows commitment to lifting Afghanistan alongside personal success. True success includes positive community impact, not just individual achievement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the wife of Rashid Khan?
Rashid Khan married twice—first in October 2024 to a woman reported to be his maternal cousin, and second in August 2025. Neither wife’s identity has been publicly revealed, though rumors suggest the second wife may be Afghan model Layloma.
When did Rashid Khan get married?
Rashid Khan’s first marriage occurred on October 3, 2024, in Kabul, Afghanistan. His second marriage took place on August 2, 2025, in a nikah ceremony. Both marriages followed traditional Islamic and Pashtun customs.
Is Rashid Khan’s wife Anushka Sharma?
No, this was a Google algorithm glitch from 2020 that mistakenly showed Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma as Rashid Khan’s wife. Anushka is married to Virat Kohli. The error was fixed after going viral on social media.
How many wives does Rashid Khan have?
Rashid Khan has two wives as of 2026. He married his first wife in October 2024 and his second wife in August 2025, which is permissible under Islamic Sharia law that allows up to four wives.
What is Rashid Khan’s wife’s age?
Neither wife’s age has been publicly disclosed. Rashid Khan, born September 20, 1998, is 27 years old as of 2026, but he has not revealed any personal details about either wife including their ages.
Is Layloma Rashid Khan’s second wife?
This remains unconfirmed speculation. While viral social media posts claim Afghan model Layloma is Rashid’s second wife based on circumstantial evidence, neither Rashid nor Layloma has confirmed this connection officially.
Why does Rashid Khan keep his wife’s identity secret?
Rashid maintains privacy to protect his wives from public scrutiny and media attention, consistent with conservative Afghan and Pashtun cultural values that emphasize women’s privacy and modesty. He respects their preference to remain out of the public eye.
Did Rashid Khan’s brothers also get married with him?
Yes, Rashid Khan’s three brothers got married on the same day—October 3, 2024—in the same ceremony in Kabul. This simultaneous celebration follows traditional Pashtun customs where families organize collective weddings.
What is Rashid Khan’s net worth?
Rashid Khan’s estimated net worth is ₹85-100 crore ($10-12 million) as of 2026. His wealth comes from IPL contracts, international cricket, global T20 leagues, and brand endorsements, making him Afghanistan’s richest cricketer.
Does Rashid Khan have children?
There is no public information about whether Rashid Khan has children with either wife. He maintains complete privacy regarding his family life and has not disclosed any details about children or family planning.
Conclusion
The wife of Rashid Khan remains one of cricket’s most intriguing mysteries, with the Afghan leg-spinner successfully maintaining strict privacy around both his marriages despite intense global curiosity.
His first marriage in October 2024 to a reported maternal cousin and second marriage in August 2025 to a woman rumored to be Afghan model Layloma reflect his commitment to traditional Pashtun and Islamic values while navigating modern celebrity status.
At 27 years old with an estimated net worth of ₹85-100 crore, Rashid has achieved extraordinary success as Afghanistan’s greatest cricketer and one of the world’s premier spin bowlers.
His decision to shield his wives from public attention demonstrates cultural respect and personal integrity in an age where privacy seems increasingly impossible.
While the 2020 Google glitch mistakenly linking him to Anushka Sharma provided comic relief, Rashid’s actual marriages honor his heritage and religious beliefs, including the permissibility of polygamy under Islamic law.
