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In a massive blow for Shaheen Afridi-led Lahore Qalandars ahead of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024, Afghanistan all-rounder Rashid Khan has withdrawn from the upcoming edition. Rashid took the precautionary measure as he is yet to regain full fitness after undergoing back surgery.
Rashid has been associated with Lahore Qalandars for three seasons. He has helped them win the title in 2022 and 2023. Afghanistan's T20I captain was retained by Lahore Qalandars in the 'silver' salary bracket. This was done in an attempt to acquire his services for future editions even if he doesn't recover before PSL 2024.
Lahore Qalandars will be allowed to pick his replacement on January 29. The development was confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
After going under the knife in November, Rashid was recently named in Afghanistan's T20I squad for the series against India earlier this month. He did not play a single match and Ibrahim Zadran took over the captaincy duty.
"It is a case of us making sure that we are really careful with his back," Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott said.
"He is such an influential player: we have to make sure he is 100% ready and not rush him back from that type of surgery… when he is ready, he will be the first one to get on the field. He has got a few more appointments and check-ups to make sure everything is OK, so there is no real time-frame. I hope it is sooner rather than later, but there is no pressure and no rush."
Rashid may return to international cricket when Afghanistan host Ireland in UAE in the last week of February. He is likely to regain fitness before the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he will represent the Gujarat Titans (GT) franchise.
Meanwhile, Lahore Qalandars have also lost England's batting all-rounder Dan Lawarence's services partially. Lawrence has been recalled into England's Test squad for the ongoing Test series against India after Harry Brook flew back home due to personal reasons. The Lahore-based franchise will be able to sign a partial replacement for Lawrence.
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