Afghanistan’s star spinner Rashid Khan will miss the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) 2023 season after undergoing minor back surgery recently in the UK.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced that Rashid, who played a key role in their giant-slaying campaign at the T20 World Cup in Australia, got operated by a renowned surgeon to treat a lower back issue.
Injury Update on Rashid Khan! 🚨
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) November 23, 2023
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. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/xqzldEhjwc
He has been advised to rest by medics following the procedure. As a result, Rashid will be unavailable for the full BBL season scheduled from December 13 onwards.
The leg-break bowler has been a consistent performer for his BBL franchise Adelaide Strikers since 2017. The team management expressed disappointment but support for Rashid prioritizing his fitness.
Rashid’s absence deals a huge blow to Adelaide’s title chances and leaves a gaping hole in their spin bowling stocks. The franchise will soon announce a replacement for the marquee player.
Interestingly, Rashid had earlier threatened to skip BBL in protest after Australia’s last-minute cancellation of a proposed ODI series against Afghanistan.
But with the back niggle now forcing him out regardless, the focus shifts to Rashid’s recovery in time for Afghanistan’s upcoming challenges. His guile and experience remain invaluable on the global stage.
Fans will hope the surgery helps their talismanic bowler return stronger. Rashid’s wizardry will be especially missed in the BBL this season. But long-term fitness to serve his country remains the priority.
