Rashid Khan out of PSL 9: Afghanistan's veteran all-rounder Rashid Khan is set to be ruled out of the upcoming ninth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), as he continues to recover from a lower-back surgery. The spin maestro has been out of competitive play since November. His most recent game was with Afghanistan in their last ODI World Cup league match against South Africa on November 10. Following the end of the tournament, he underwent a minor lower back surgery in the UK. This surgery led to his absence from the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia, where he was to represent Adelaide Strikers. Additionally, the surgery forced him to miss the three-match T20I series against the UAE and the ongoing SA20, where he was signed to play for MI Cape Town.
Uncertainty Over Rashid Khan's Recovery Timeline
Rashid Khan, initially expected to be fit for the current three-match T20I series against India, was even included in the squad. However, he had to withdraw just before the series began. In his absence, Ibrahim Zadran is captaining Afghanistan in what is considered a significant series.
Doubts Over Rashid Khan's Participation in PSL 2024
According to a report by Cricket Pakistan, Rashid Khan's participation in the 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL) appears doubtful. The ninth edition of the PSL is set to commence on February 17, and Khan is a member of the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars. With the T20 World Cup scheduled for June, the acclaimed bowler is likely to be extra cautious and avoid rushing his return to the game.
Update on Rashid from Afghanistan's Head Coach
Afghanistan's head coach, Jonathon Trott, recently provided an update on Khan's condition.
“It is a case of us making sure that we are really careful with his back. He is such an influential player, we have to make sure he is 100 per cent ready and not rush him back from that type of surgery. It is important to give him the right time and he is working extremely hard and he is here with the team," Afghanistan's head coach Jonathan Trott said, as quoted by Cricketaddictor.
“He is very passionate and dedicated to the Afghan national side. 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 okay. So there is no real time frame. I hope it is sooner rather than later. But there is no pressure and no rush,” Trott concluded.
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