Star Afghanistan all-rounder Rashid Khan will not take the field for Adelaide Strikers in the upcoming 2023-24 edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) after sustaining a back injury, for which he will need to undergo a surgery. (Cricket News | ODI World Cup)
The Strikers said in a statement that Rashid has "withdrawn from the upcoming BBL 13 due to a back injury which requires a minor operation".
Strikers' general manager of cricket Tim Nielsen said: "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."
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Nielsen added: "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."
Rashid was last seen in action for Afghanistan during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 earlier this month, where the Afghans were in contention for a semi-final spot till their last league game against South Africa. The leg-spin bowler finished the tournament with 11 wickets, the most for Afghanistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Strikers have not yet announced a replacement for Rashid but Nielsen said the management and staff will look at the options and make a decision. The team has said that it will maintain Rashid's retention rights for future seasons.
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Rashid made his BBL debut in December 2017, and has picked up 98 wickets in 69 matches in the league at an average of 17.51 and an economy of 6.44.
The 25-year-old Rashid became the second overseas player to pull out of the upcoming BBL season, with Melbourne Stars' English hire Harry Brook withdrawing to manage his workload earlier this month.
