In a significant setback for the Big Bash League (BBL), Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan has withdrawn from the upcoming edition due to back surgery, as announced by Adelaide Strikers on November 23. The renowned leg-spinner, a key attraction in the BBL, will be sorely missed, adding to the league's woes after England batter Harry Brook's unavailability this season.
Rashid and Brook were the top two picks in the BBL draft for the 2023/2024 edition. While Rashid was retained by Adelaide Strikers, Brook joined Melbourne Stars. Tim Nielsen, the General Manager of Cricket for Adelaide Strikers expressed the magnitude of the loss for both the club and the league, highlighting Rashid's seven-year stint with the Strikers. Having joined the Strikers in the 2017-18 season, Rashid has been a consistent performer, accumulating 98 wickets from 69 matches in the BBL.
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"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," conveyed Nielsen.
Recognising Rashid's affinity for Adelaide and the BBL, he emphasised the club's support for the spinner as he undergoes treatment for his back injury, prioritising 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," added Nielsen.
Rashid Khan's most recent appearance was in the ODI World Cup for Afghanistan, where he played a crucial role in helping the team secure a spot in the Champions Trophy positions. Afghanistan finished 6th in the table, surpassing England, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands, with Rashid claiming 11 wickets in 9 matches.
The BBL is scheduled to kick off on December 7 and will conclude on January 24, coinciding with Pakistan's 3-match Test tour of Australia. The absence of Rashid Khan adds an unexpected twist to the league, setting the stage for a reshuffle in Adelaide Strikers' strategy as they aim to secure a replacement player for the season.
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