BBL 13: Afghanistan Spinner Rashid Khan Withdraws From Upcoming Big Bash League Due To Back Injury

Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan has pulled out of the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) 13 due to a back injury which requires a minor surgery, his team Adelaide Strikers announced on Thursday (November 23).

Rashid, who played in all nine of Afghanistan's league campaign in the bygone ICC ODI World Cup 2023 in India, had earlier missed action for the national side due to a lower back injury right after Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.

The leg spinner had also suffered a scare during the World Cup 2023 match against Netherlands when he sprinted to his left and attempted a throw at the non-striker's end after which he felt some discomfort in his lower back.

While he returned to take the field on that day, the injury now sees him miss action for the next few months, meaning Rashid will miss the whole season of BBL. Adelaide Strikers General Manager, Cricket Tim Nielsen said it is a big loss for the side.

"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," Nielsen said in a release.

"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."

Although he misses the upcoming season, Adelaide Strikers added that they will maintain retention rights for Rashid for upcoming BBL seasons. It is unclear when he will be fit again to take the field.

Afghanistan, who stunned three former champions England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in World Cup 2023, will next be involved in international action only in January 2024 when they tour India for a three-match T20I series.

Will Rashid Khan be fit for IPL 2024?

A minor back operation usually takes 4-6 weeks to recover. So, Rashid may be available for Gujarat Titans in their quest for the second IPL title during the March-May window next year. However, it is unclear if he will be fit to play in the SA20 with MI Cape Town.