Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s leg-spinner, is expected to miss the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine due to lower-back surgery.
Afghanistan’s head coach, Jonathan Trott, stated the team’s management will handle Rashid’s injury with care.
Rashid did not play in the Big Bash League (BBL), SA20, or the three-T20I series against India. He’s traveling with the team but isn’t entirely fit yet.
“We are taking great care with his back to ensure his well-being,” emphasized Trott. “Given his significant impact as a player, it’s crucial that we don’t hastily bring him back post-surgery. We want him to be absolutely prepared, and he’s diligently working towards that while being with the team.
His commitment to the Afghan national side is unwavering, and as soon as he’s fit, he’ll be back on the field. He’s currently undergoing additional appointments and check-ups to ensure everything is in order. There’s no specific timeframe; we’re aiming for a sooner return, but there’s no pressure or urgency in the process.”
Lahore Qalandars’ Squad
- Platinum: Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Brand Ambassador: Haris Rauf
- Diamond: David Wiese
- Gold: Sikandar Raza, Abdullah Shafique, Zaman Khan
- Silver: Mirza Tahir Baig, Rashid Khan
Other Players: Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Ahsan Bhatti, Dan Lawrence, Jahandad Khan, Syed Faridoun Mahmood, Shai Hope, Kamran Ghulam, Rassie van der Dussen
It’s essential to note that PSL 9 is set to kick off at the PCB’s headquarters in Lahore, with the opening match featuring the Lahore Qalandars, the two-time champions and current titleholders, taking on Islamabad United, winners of the 2016 and 2018 editions.
This exciting cricketing extravaganza will be spread across four cities: Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi, culminating in the final at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on March 18. The tournament, featuring six teams, will comprise 34 T20 matches.