Rashid Khan withdraws from Big Bash League with back injury

Afghanistan allrounder Rashid Khan has withdrawn from this year’s Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia due to a back injury.

According to a statement issued by the team Rashid played for, Adelaide Strikers, the Afghan cricket legend will undergo surgery.

Rashid has “withdrawn from the upcoming KFC BBL 13 due to a back injury which requires a minor operation,” Strikers said in a statement.

“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 of cricket Tim Nielsen said.

“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.”

Strikers have not yet announced a replacement for Rashid but according to ESPNcricinfo.com, the team said they will maintain Rashid’s retention rights for future seasons.

Having made his BBL debut in December 2017, Rashid has picked 98 wickets in 69 matches at an average of 17.51 and economy of 6.44.

This year’s BBL will start on December 7 and run through to January 24.