Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan is set to miss the Big Bash League (BBL) for the second consecutive year after missing the previous season due to an injury. Initially Rashid had opted out of participating in the competition ahead of the 2023 season due to Cricket Australia’s stance over Afghani Board’s views on women’s cricket.
“If playing vs Afghanistan is so uncomfortable for Australia then I wouldn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable with my presence in the BBL. Therefore, I will be strongly considering my future in that competition,” Rashid had stated.
BET NOW: Exclusive sign-up offers and bonuses when you bet on cricket action
However, the air between the two parties was cleared and Rashid agreed to be retained by the Adeilade Strikers. But, eventually, the spin wizard picked up an injury which sidelined him from the entire season.
As for the 2024 season, Rashid is set to miss the BBL season once again, but for a completely different reason altogether. He has also been suffering from a persistent back injury, prompting the player to avoid such a strenuous schedule.
READ MORE: Where will Rinku play in IPL 2025?
Why is Rashid Khan missing the upcoming BBL season?
Rashid refrained from registering for the draft for the BBL which was scheduled to take place on September 1. The reason behind this move is the packed domestic season that the Afghan captain will be involved with.
Rashid has already signed with MI Cape Town in the upcoming edition of the SA20 League. Since the competition clashes with the BBL, it would have required Rashid to leave BBL halfway through in order to feature in the SA20.
Apart from domestic franchise-based cricket, the spinner will also be involved in international cricket with the Afghanistan cricket team in Zimbabwe by the end of the year. The already hectic schedule has prompted the 25-year-old to skip the BBL.
READ MORE: Sachin Tendulkar reveals unusual technique to master playing reverse swing
Rashid Khan’s BBL record
Rashid has featured for the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL for over six seasons in which he has managed to pick up 98 wickets, just two short of becoming the first overseas player to pick up 100 wickets in the league. Rashid is also the spinner with the third-highest wickets in the league’s history overall.
| Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | BF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 98 | 17.51 | 6.44 | 6/17 |