"Following Rashid Khan's back operation last year, his doctors advised him to refrain from participating in long-format cricket, which is Test cricket, for one year," Afghanistan Cricket Board's Chief Executive Naseeb Khan told on Friday.
Rashid Khan to miss Tests until November; Here is why?
Afghanistan's star spinner Rashid Khan will be unavailable for Test cricket until November 2024, missing the upcoming series against New Zealand. However, he is expected to play in the ODI series against Pakistan in September.
Disha
Published Aug 30, 2024, 8:18 pm IST
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Afghanistan's star leg-spinner, Rashid Khan, will not be available for Test cricket until November 2024. This decision comes following advice from his physician, as confirmed by an Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) official on Friday. As a result, Rashid will miss the upcoming one-match Test series against New Zealand, scheduled to be held from September 9 to 13 in Greater Noida, India. His availability for the two-match Test series against Zimbabwe in December is also in doubt. This series will feature three ODIs and three T20Is as well.
"His doctors advised him to refrain from participating in long-format cricket..."
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Rashid’s participation in longer formats, ACB Chief Executive Naseeb Khan remains optimistic. He told Cricbuzz on Friday that they are hopeful Rashid will recover in time for future fixtures, but they must proceed cautiously with his health as the priority.
"We are hoping that he will available for the two Tests against Zimbabwe in December," he said.
"We are pleased to report that during the Shpageeza tournament, Rashid did not experience any injuries and successfully completed his matches. He is in good health and will be fully available for the upcoming event against South Africa," he added.
Reports of injury dismissed
Contrary to rumors, Naseeb Khan also clarified that Rashid Khan did not suffer an injury during the recently concluded Shpageeza Cricket League 2024. He confirmed that Rashid is fit to play in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates from September 18 to 22.
While the absence of Rashid will be a significant blow for Afghanistan in the Test arena, the preliminary 20-member squad for the one-off Test against New Zealand has already reached Noida for preparation. They will look to adapt without their star spinner in the lineup, while Rashid focuses on his recovery and return later in the year.
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Rashid KhanInjury UpdateAfghanistan cricket board
