Afghanistan’s leg-spinner and one of the best bowlers in the world, Rashid Khan, has withdrawn from the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24 season due to a back injury, confirmed Adelaide Strikers on Thursday.
Rashid, 25, was one of the top two picks in the BBL13 draft alongside England’s Harry Brook, who was picked by Melbourne Stars. However, both players have now withdrawn from the league.
The 25-year-old has a minor back injury that would require surgery.
Adelaide Strikers GM of Cricket, Tim Nielsen, opened up on the 25-year-old’s injury saying it is a big loss without the leg-spinner who is one of the most important players in the team.
"Rashid is a beloved member of the Strikers and a fan favourite who has been with us for seven years, so he will be extremely missed this summer," Nielsen said.
"Rashid loves Adelaide and the Strikers, and we know how much he loves playing in the BBL, and we support him as he has treatment for this injury to ensure his long-term involvement in the game.
"Our list management and coaching staff will now look at our options for replacing Rashid for the upcoming season and a replacement player will be announced in due course."
Rashid has played every season with Strikers ever since making his BBL debut in 2017. He is the team’s all-time top wicket-taker with 98 scalps to his name in 69 games at an average of 17.51 and an economy of 6.44.
The Adelaide Strikers will maintain the right to retain the leg-spinner for next season’s BBL drafts.
It must be noted that earlier this year, Rashid threatened that he was seriously considering not returning to BBL after Cricket Australia (CA) refused to play a three-match ODI series with Afghanistan because the Taliban, who claimed power in the country in 2021, had placed fresh limits on education and work opportunities for Afghan women and girls, including female cricketers.
Rashid last played cricket with Afghanistan in the World Cup 2023 where he took 11 wickets, the most for the team in the mega event.
- Rashid Khan
