Rashid Khan unlikely to play first Test against Zimbabwe owing to finger injury on bowling arm

Ahead of the Test and T20I series against Zimbabwe, the Afghanistan cricket team have been dealt with a massive blow as the celebrated spin bowler Rashid Khanhas suffered a finger injury on his bowling arm. Afghanistan is scheduled to lock horns against Zimbabwe in two Test matches followed by three T20I internationals, starting from March 2, 2021 at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Rashid sustained the finger injury while plying his trade for franchise Lahore Qalandars in the 2020 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). This was the first time that the spinner was featuring in the Pakistan League as he was picked by the Lahore Qalandars as a platinum player in the players’ draft.

Despite the injury, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is yet to make a decision on whether Rashid will be available for the first Test match, starting from March 2 in the UAE. Currently, Rashid is undergoing treatment in the Emirates and the final call on his inclusion in the first Test will be taken after a reassessment of his injury on 28th February.

Afghanistan gave the update of Rashid via their official Twitter handle. “Spin-bowler @rashidkhan_19 is likely to miss first Test match between Afghanistan and @ZimCricketv due to finger injury on his bowling arm during his second match in @thePSLt20,” ACB tweeted.

Spin-bowler @rashidkhan_19 is likely to miss first Test match between Afghanistan and @ZimCricketv due to finger injury on his bowling arm during his second match in @thePSLt20

More: https://t.co/X3NpSvVBZV pic.twitter.com/PI8ejAEzVn

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 25, 2021

Rashid Khan featured in just two games of PSL 2021

Rashid Khan had left the PSL franchise Lahore Qalandars after featuring in just two games for his team to complete his national duties for Afghanistan. In the two games that he played for Qalandars, Rashid delivered a stunning performance as he impressed with both bat and ball. The bowler conceded just 14 runs off his four overs while with the bat, he played a fine cameo of 27 not out off 15 balls in the first game against Peshawar Zalmi. This was followed by Rashid picking up one wicket against Quetta Gladiators as the Qalandars thrashed them by nine wickets.

Rashid had informed about his departure from Pakistan via his official Twitter handle. “Too soon leaving @thePSLt20 But have to attend National duty. Thank you @lahoreqalandars and to all the fans for the great support and love .INSHALLAH see you next year,” Rashid had tweeted.

Too soon leaving @thePSLt20 But have to attend National duty 🇦🇫 . Thank you @lahoreqalandars and to all the fans for the great support and love .INSHALLAH see you next year . 👍👍 pic.twitter.com/ar6TJ1c0jc

— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) February 23, 2021