'Playing a whole tournament like PSL seems the better option' - Rashid Khan puts County contract on hold for PSL 2021

Afghanistan and Lahore Qalandar leg-spinner, Rashid Khan, has put his county contract with Sussex on hold to be part of Lahore Qalandars for the remaining matches of PSL 2021. The star player was set to join Sussex Sharks in the Vitality Blast after the conclusion of the PSL’s 6th edition, which is set to resume in Abu Dhabi from 9 June.

Earlier, Rashid had to give the PSL a miss after playing only two games as Afghanistan had to face Zimbabwe in a Test series in Abu Dhabi. As fate would have it, PSL got postponed after multiple cases of Covid-19 were reported inside the bio-secure environment, leading to another chance for Rashid to join his team as the season resumes.

Rashid appreciated Sussex for understanding his decision to opt for PSL. “Unfortunately, I only played two games in PSL 6 and had to go away for national duty. Now I had the option to stay back in England and here I must appreciate Sussex for their help and understanding as I had to decide between missing five games with the county or playing a whole tournament like PSL which seemed like a better option, especially as the fans wanted me to play in the PSL,” he said in a virtual press meet.

PSL is ranked in the top three leagues in the world: Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan feels that participating in PSL will benefit Afghanistan players and will improve relations between the national boards of both Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“All the players who have come from Afghanistan and are playing the PSL, this is a great opportunity for them to come and play alongside top players and to improve their cricket. For all those Afghan youngsters who have not got an opportunity to play in other leagues, this is a great chance to prove that they have the skills and talent to play in top level cricket,” he said.

“Playing cricket between two countries will increase the love and respect between players of both sides; Sports is all about bringing unity between countries.”

“I played two games in Karachi and I am looking forward to the rest of the games in Abu Dhabi. For me PSL is ranked in the top three leagues in the world,” he said.

“If the matches were in Pakistan, and if the crowd was coming to them, then it would be a better experience of playing in front of supporters,” he concluded.