Afghan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has withdrawn from the 2024 edition of the Pakistan Super League. Rashid was supposed to play for the Lahore Qalandars, for whom he already played two seasons, according to ESPNcricinfo. Rashid cited recovery from his back injury as the reason for his withdrawal from PSL 2024.
Rashid Khan also missed the IND vs AFG T20I series held earlier this month and was in the recovery process. Rashid was retained by Lahore Qalandars with the ‘silver’ pick in the December draft. After learning that Rashid was not available for PSL 2024, Qalandars may retain him in the coming seasons.
Before retiring from the 2024 Pakistan Super League, Rashid Khan underwent back surgery in November 2023 and has been undergoing his rehabilitation period since then. Lahore Qalandars will find a replacement for Rashid in the supplementary and replacement draft, which will be held virtually on Monday, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board. Rashid Khan also retired from the Big Bash League and SA20 earlier this month.
Rashid Khan withdraws from Pakistan Super League
After Rashid Khan was deemed unfit to play against India, Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott stated that it is a period where we make sure Rashid Khan is careful about his back. Trott also considered Rashid a very influential player and believed that the team had to ensure that he was 100 percent ready. Trott further added that Rashid will be the first player to take the field when he is ready to play.
Jonathan Trott said: “It’s about making sure we’re very careful with his back. He is a very influential player: we have to make sure he is 100% ready and not rush him to come back from that type of surgery… when he is ready, he will be the first to take the field. He has a few more appointments and checkups to make sure everything is okay, so there’s no real deadline. I hope it is sooner rather than later, but there is no pressure or rush.”
According to ESPNcricinfo, Rashid Khan could return during the Afghanistan vs Ireland T20I series, which will take place in February. However, if Rashid cannot return in the T20I against Ireland, he is expected to be fit for the 2024 Indian Premier League.
Rashid Khan is one of the most talented bowlers in the Afghanistan cricket team and has rattled the opposition’s strongest batsmen with his spin and also his googlies. Rashid showed a decent performance during the ODI World Cup 2023 and picked up 11 wickets in 9 games.
Rashid Khan knows how to control runs in the middle overs and has also hit for the team whenever needed. Rashid will represent the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024 and will once again play the role very efficiently and help them win the title for the second time.