Rashid Khan opts out of PSL, but set to play IPL 2024

Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has withdrawn from the 2024 edition of the Pakistan Super League. Rashid was supposed to play for the Lahore Qalandars, for whom he has already played two seasons, as per ESPNcricinfo. Rashid cited the recovery from his back injury as the reason behind his withdrawal from the PSL 2024.

Rashid Khan also missed out on the IND vs AFG T20I series held earlier this month and was undergoing his recovery process. Rashid was retained by the Lahore Qalandars with the ‘silver’ draft in the December draft. After understanding that Rashid was unavailable for the PSL 2024, Qalandars can retain him in the upcoming seasons.

Before withdrawing from the Pakistan Super League 2024, Rashid Khan underwent back surgery in the month of November 2023 and since then has been performing his rehabilitation period. Lahore Qalandars will find a replacement for Rashid from the supplementary and replacement draft, which will be held virtually on Monday, as per the Pakistan Cricket Board. Rashid Khan also withdrew from the Big Bash League and SA20 earlier this month.

Rashid Khan withdraws from Pakistan Super League

After Rashid Khan was not deemed to be fit to play against India, Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott stated that it is a period that we make sure that Rashid Khan is careful with his back. Trott also considered Rashid a very influential player and believed that the team has to make sure when he is 100 percent ready. Trott further added that Rashid will be the first player to go on the field when he is ready to play.

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.”

As per ESPNcricinfo, Rashid Khan could return during the Afghanistan vs Ireland T20I series all set to take place in February. However, if Rashid is not able to return in the T20Is against Ireland, it is expected that he will be making himself fit for the Indian Premier League 2024.

Rashid Khan is one of the most talented bowlers in the Afghanistan cricket team and has rattled the most powerful opposition batsmen with his spin and also the googlies. Rashid displayed a decent performance during the ODI World Cup 2023 and picked up 11 wickets from 9 games.

Rashid Khan knows how to control runs in the middle overs and has also struck for the team whenever it is needed. Rashid will be representing Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2024 and will play his role once again very efficiently and help them win the title for the second time.