'See you next year' - Rashid Khan bids adieu to PSL 2021 after just two games

Rashid Khan’s stint with Lahore Qalandars in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) has come to a premature end. Currently the number one T20I bowler in the world, the Afghanistan superstar was plying his trade in Pakistan’s premier T20 tournament for the first time in his career. Last month, he was picked by the Lahore Qalandars as a platinum player in the players’ draft.

Rashid, however, has left the Qalandars’ camp after playing just two games in the ongoing tournament. The reason behind his departure is the upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe next month in the UAE. The Test series between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will get underway on March 2 in Abu Dhabi.

The Test series will be followed by a three-match T20I series and Rashid is set to spearhead his team’s spin attack in the T20Is too. The T20I series will end on March 20, just two days before the PSL concludes. So even if Qalandars make it to the playoffs and the final, Rashid won’t be available for them in the ongoing edition.

And on Tuesday, the 22-year old bid adieu to PSL. Rashid took to Twitter to admit that he was leaving the PSL too soon before stating the reason behind it. He further thanked the Qalandars and the fans for their support. Rashid concluded his message by saying that he would play for the team next year, tweeting:

“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. ”

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

Rashid Khan impresses in PSL

Rashid Khan might have played just two games in the ongoing PSL but it was enough for him to leave his mark. In his first game for the Lahore-based outfit, Rashid impressed with both bat and ball to help the Qalandars beat Peshawar Zalmi. With the ball, he conceded just 14 runs off his four overs while with the bat, he played a fine cameo of 27 not out off 15 balls.

On Monday, he picked up one wicket against Quetta Gladiators as the Qalandars thrashed them by nine wickets to register their second win in a row. Chasing 179, the Qalandars chased down the total in 18.2 overs by losing just one wicket.