Lahore Qalandars’ leg-spinner Rashid Khan will be missing the upcoming PSL 9 due to a back injury. The Afghan cricket star has undergone a lower back surgery in November after the World Cup 2023. He was expected get fit in time for the tournament, however, he has informed the Lahore Qalandars management about his unavailability for the tournament.
Rashid Khan, who also skipped the Australian Big Bash League and the ongoing T20I series between Afghanistan and India, will be a significant loss for Lahore Qalandars.
The PSL event is scheduled to commence in Lahore from February 17, and the team has to find a suitable alternative spinner in place of Rashid.
Expressing regret over Rashid’s absence, Lahore Qalandars’ Chief Executive, Atif Rana, acknowledged the leg-spinner’s stature as a match-winner.
Thank you everyone for your well wishes 🙏
The surgery went well, now on the road to recovery 💪
Can’t wait to be back on the field 💙 pic.twitter.com/zxLYKFaoYE— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) November 23, 2023
He mentioned, “No one can replace Rashid completely. Efforts will be made to include a good player in the squad in place of Rashid.”
Meanwhile, Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott emphasized the importance of handling Rashid’s recovery with care, given his influential role in the team. Trott stated, “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.”
Rashid Khan has played a pivotal role in Lahore Qalandars’ success, contributing significantly to their two-time championship victories in the PSL. He is the third-highest wicket-taker for Qalandars, taking 44 wickets in 28 games at an average of 15.47.
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