Out-of-form Rashid Khan skips MLC 2025 to take break after disappointing IPL 2025

In a blow to MI New York, Rashid Khan has pulled out of Major League Cricket 2025. The Afghan spinner will instead take a break. Rashid was MI New York’s top wicket-taker with 10 scalps in 7 matches. However, unlike last time, Rashid has struggled for form. IPL 2025 was his worst in terms of form as he not only struggled for wickets but also rhythm since his return from injury.

As per a report on ESPN Cricinfo, he will now use the break to recuperate and return to action with Afghanistan in August when they tour Pakistan for three T20Is. With the Asia Cup 2025 also unlikely, Afghanistan will bank on the bilateral series. It must be noted that many cricketers, including Virat Kohli and Ben Stokes, have opted for breaks to rejuvenate after a poor run of form.

However, Rashid Khan isn’t alone. Azmatullah Omarzai has also decided to skip MLC 2025. Omarzai played for Punjab Kings last in the IPL 2025, losing the final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Rashid Khan in IPL 2025

The Afghanistan superstar last played in the IPL 2025 for Gujarat Titans. While he struggled, GT reached the playoffs, losing to Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator.

However, Rashid had a torrid time in the IPL. He could only manage 9 wickets in 15 matches and had an economy rate of 9.35, his worst in IPL. He averaged 57.11, one of the lowest in the league.

His best performance was 2/25 against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens. With the bat, he had no meaningful contribution, scoring just 40 runs.

Opponent	Ground	Overs	Performance	Econ
Punjab Kings	Narendra Modi Stadium	4	1/48	12
Mumbai Indians	Narendra Modi Stadium	2	0/10	9.67
Royal Challengers Bengaluru	M Chinnaswamy Stadium	4	0/54	11.2
Sunrisers Hyderabad	Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium	4	0/31	10.21
Rajasthan Royals	Narendra Modi Stadium	4	2/37	10
Lucknow Super Giants	BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium	4	1/35	9.77
Delhi Capitals	Narendra Modi Stadium	4	0/38	9.73
Kolkata Knight Riders	Eden Gardens	4	2/25	9.27
Rajasthan Royals	Sawai Mansingh Stadium	4	1/24	8.88
Sunrisers Hyderabad	Narendra Modi Stadium	3	0/50	9.51
Mumbai Indians	Wankhede Stadium	4	1/21	9.1
Delhi Capitals	Arun Jaitley Stadium	4	0/32	9
Lucknow Super Giants	Narendra Modi Stadium	2	0/36	9.38
Chennai Super Kings	Narendra Modi Stadium	4	1/42	9.47
Mumbai Indians	Mullanpur Stadium	4	0/31	9.35

Relief for Afghan players in US

While Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai have decided to skip MLC 2025, other Afghan players will take part. With the US imposing a travel ban on Afghanistan nationals this week, there were doubts over the likes of Noor Ahmad and Naveen-ul-Haq among others. However, Gulbadin Naib and Fazalhaq Farooqi are yet to get their visas as the MLC 2025 begins on June 13.

“This proclamation shall apply only to foreign nationals of the designated countries who: (i) are outside the United States on the applicable effective date of this proclamation; and (ii) do not have a valid visa on the applicable effective date of this proclamation,” the travel restriction from Donald Trump adminsitration read.

However, there is a caveat. Considering the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the Los Angeles Olympics 2028 in mind, athletes from the countries on the travel ban list are exempted.

“Any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, travelling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State can still travel to the US,” as per the US State Department.