Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has withdrawn from the upcoming Big Bash League due to a back injury.
The 25-year-old, who helped the Adelaide Strikers with their maiden BBL title in 2018, will undergo a minor operation, the Strikers confirmed in a statement on Thursday.
“Rashid is a beloved member of the Strikers and a fan favourite who has been with us for seven years, so he will be extremely missed this summer,” Strikers General Manager Cricket Tim Nielsen said in a statement.
“Rashid loves Adelaide and the Strikers, and we know how much he loves playing in the BBL, and we support him as he has treatment for this injury to ensure his long-term involvement in the game.
“Our list management and coaching staff will now look at our options for replacing Rashid for the upcoming season and a replacement player will be announced in due course.”
Khan is the second-consecutive No. 1 Draft pick to withdraw from the Big Bash League, with Melbourne Renegades recruit Liam Livingstone pulling the plug 12 months ago.
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Since making his debut for the Strikers in 2017, Khan has taken 98 Big Bash wickets at 17.51; no cricketer has taken more BBL wickets at a lower average than the crafty spinner, who was named the ICC’s Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Decade.
Khan’s withdrawal comes after England young gun Harry Brook, who the Melbourne Stars snapped up in September’s Draft, pulled out of the T20 competition a swell.
The Strikers get their BBL campaign underway on Saturday, December 9, facing the Brisbane Heat at Adelaide Oval.
