The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced that Rashid Khan, Afghanistan's celebrated spinner, recently underwent a minor lower-back surgery in the United Kingdom. This development means that Khan will be unable to participate in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL), which is set to commence on December 7.
"Afghanistan's cricket sensation, @rashidkhan_19, underwent a minor lower back surgery with the expertise of renowned surgeon Dr. James Alibone in the UK. He has been rested for a brief while and is expected to recover soon," said the ACB statement on X.
Rashid Khan, renowned for his pivotal role in Afghanistan's notable performances against England and Pakistan during the World Cup in India, was operated on by a prominent surgeon in the UK. This information was confirmed in a statement released by the ACB on Friday.
Mohammad Nabi, a fellow Afghan cricketer, shared a photo of Rashid post-surgery with a supportive message wishing him a speedy recovery. Additionally, the Adelaide Strikers, Rashid's BBL team since 2017, had previously indicated that he would soon be undergoing a minor surgery.
Prior to this, Rashid had expressed his intentions to potentially skip the BBL as a form of protest against Australia's decision to cancel an ODI series with Afghanistan. His absence from the league will be a significant loss, given his impactful contributions to the Adelaide Strikers over the years.
"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," Tim Nielsen, GM of Cricket at Adelaide Strikers, 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," he added.
Rashid Khan's surgery and subsequent recovery period mark a temporary pause in his illustrious cricketing journey, with fans and teammates eagerly awaiting his return to the field.
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