Rashid Khan pulls out of BBL 13 with back injury, to undergo minor surgery

Talismanic Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan won't be a part of season 13 of the Big Bash League (BBL) as he will undergo minor surgery on his back. Earlier in the year, Rashid missed a couple of ODIs against Sri Lanka due to a back injury and also skipped the Men's Hundred competition in England. He recently played in the ODI World Cup 2023 in which Afghanistan exceeded expectations and almost made it to the semifinals. The star bowler finished with 11 wickets in nine matches.

The Adelaide Strikers confirmed in a statement that their star player will not be a part of the impending BBL edition due to a back injury that would need a minor operation. The 25-year-old has "withdrawn from the upcoming BBL 13 due to a back injury which requires a minor operation," Strikers said in a statement.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. 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 General Manager of Cricket Tim Nielsen was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

The Nangarhar-born made his BBL debut in December 2017 and has played 69 matches in which he has picked up 98 wickets at an average of 17.51 and an economy of 6.44. Nielsen said that they are yet to zero in on Rashid's replacement for the upcoming season but they will be looking at possible options down the line. He also stated that the Strikers will have the retention rights of Rashid for the upcoming seasons.

Rashid isn't the first overseas player who has pulled out of BBL 13. Earlier, talented England batter Harry Brook, who was due to play for Melbourne Stars, withdrew from the tournament to manage his workload.