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Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s premier spinner, has been absent from the cricketing scene since the conclusion of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. His absence includes matches against United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India, and he has also withdrawn from high-profile T20 leagues, such as the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-2024 and SA20 and now he won’t be participating in PSL 2024. This prolonged hiatus stems from the 25-year-old undergoing back surgery in November last year.
T20 World Cup 2024 and IPL 2024 anticipation
As the cricketing world gears up for the T20 World Cup 2024, slated for the West Indies and the United States of America (USA) in June, and with the imminent arrival of the 17th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, the return of Rashid is eagerly awaited. His presence is not only crucial for Afghanistan’s preparations but also for the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the upcoming IPL season.
Jonathan Trott opens up on Rashid Khan’s return
Despite the anticipation, Afghanistan’s head coach, Jonathan Trott, has provided a cautious update, stating that there is currently no specific time frame for Rashid’s much-awaited return to the cricket field.
“It is a case of us making sure that we are really careful with his back. He is such an influential player, we have to make sure he is 100 per cent ready and not rush him back from that type of surgery. It is important to give him the right time and he is working extremely hard and he is here with the team,” Trott was quoted as saying by ANI.
“He is very passionate and dedicated to the Afghan national side. When he is ready, he will be the first one to get on the field. He has got a few more appointments and check-ups to make sure everything is okay. So there is no real time frame. I hope it is sooner rather than later. But there is no pressure and no rush,” the 42-year-old concluded.
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Afghanistan’s post-India series itinerary
After the conclusion of the India series, Afghanistan’s cricket team is set for an action-packed schedule, beginning with a tour to Sri Lanka for a comprehensive all-format series. Subsequently, they will shift their focus to the UAE, hosting Ireland for a parallel series.
This itinerary includes engaging in One-off Tests, followed by a series of three ODIs and three T20Is against both Sri Lanka and Ireland. The six T20Is hold particular significance as Afghanistan’s last chance for fine-tuning and preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup scheduled for June.
