The star leg-spinner from Afghanistan Rashid Khan has opted to withdraw from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024. The Lahore Qalandars player is still in the process of recovering from his recent back surgery. Rashid is presently undergoing rehabilitation and was unavailable for the highly anticipated three-match T20I series between India and Afghanistan.
The experienced Afghan cricketer is prioritizing his health and aims for a complete recovery before making a return to competitive cricket. Before opting out of the PSL, the 25-year-old had also withdrawn from the Big Bash League and SA20.
Rashid Khan has played a crucial role in the Lahore Qalandars squad over the last three seasons. He played a significant part in their title victories in 2022 and 2023. Seeing him as a valuable asset, the franchise chose to retain him in the silver category during the draft submitted in December.
While giving an update and showing concern for Rashid Khan, head coach Jonathan Trott said, “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% 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.”
ESPNcricinfo reports that he is set to make himself available to play for the Gujarat Titans in the upcoming 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
