- By Manik Sharma
- Thu, 23 Nov 2023 09:09 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Afghanistan star spinner Rashid Khan has been ruled out of the Big Bash League (BBL) season 2023-24 due to a back injury that necessitates surgery.
The Adelaide Strikers player has been a pivotal member of BBL since the 2017-18 season. Rashid, the world's number one T20I bowler, has taken 98 wickets in 69 matches for the South Australian side. He is the Strikers' all-time leading wicket-taker.
The Strikers confirmed that Rashid's injury requires a "minor operation," leading to his withdrawal from the upcoming BBL season. Tim Nielsen, the General Manager of Cricket for Adelaide Strikers, expressed the club's disappointment at losing Rashid.
ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma To Put End On His T20I Career To Only Focus On ODI And Test: Report
"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," cricket.com.au quoted Nielsen as saying.
"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.
Nielsen acknowledged Rashid's deep connection with Adelaide and hoped for his early recovery in the cricket circuit.
"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," Nielsen said.
Despite the setback, the Strikers are gearing up to address the challenge strategically. Nielsen mentioned that the team's list management and coaching staff would explore options for replacing Rashid, with an announcement of a replacement player expected in due course.
"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," Nielsen revealed.
The nature of Rashid’s back injury remains unclear, leaving questions about his return to cricket and participation in Afghanistan’s tour of India and other T20 franchise competitions coming up.
In the recently concluded ODI World Cup 2023, Rashid emerged as Afghanistan's top wicket-taker, securing 11 wickets in nine games, maintaining an economy of 4.48.
The news follows closely on the heels of another setback for the BBL, with Melbourne Stars' Harry Brook pulling out of the competition just last week. Both Rashid and Brook were the top two picks at this year's BBL Draft.