Afghanistan ace Rashid Khan has withdrawn from Pakistan Super League’s upcoming season, as the spinner continues his rehab after undergoing a back surgery. His withdrawal has put up a pertinent question about whether the Gujarat Titans player will be fit in time to feature in IPL 2024?
Rashid has played for Lahore Qalandars in each of the last three PSL seasons. He has won titles in 2022 and 2023 and has been a major player for the Lahore franchise in their trophy-winning seasons.
Rashid underwent surgery for a back problem in November, and has been planning his return as soon as possible. He missed the IND vs AFG T20I series in spite of being named in the squad.
Qalandars will have to find a replacement for Rashid in their supplementary and replacement drafts, which the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed would take place virtually on Monday.
“It is a case of us making sure that we are really careful with his back,” Jonathan Trott, Afghanistan’s head coach, said.
“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… when he is ready, he will be the first one to get on the field. He has got a few more appointments and check-ups to make sure everything is OK, so there is no real time-frame. I hope it is sooner rather than later, but there is no pressure and no rush,” Trott added.
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