Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner, Rashid Khan, has opted to withdraw from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 due to his ongoing recovery from a recent back surgery. This decision comes as Rashid continues his rehabilitation and recuperation, which also led to his absence from the high-profile Ind vs Afg T20I series. Prior to pulling out of the PSL, Rashid had also decided not to participate in the Big Bash League and SA20, prioritizing his health over competitive cricket engagements.
Rashid Khan has been a key player for the Lahore Qalandars over the past three seasons, notably contributing to their title victories in 2022 and 2023. Despite his unavailability, the franchise chose to retain him in the silver category during the December draft, underscoring his value for future PSL campaigns.
In the PSL hierarchy, the Silver category ranks fourth after Platinum, Diamond, and Gold categories. Each team is allowed up to 5 Silver players, with a base price of $15,000 and a maximum price of $25,000.
Regarding Rashid Khan’s potential participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, ESPNcricinfo reports indicate that he intends to make himself available to represent the Gujarat Titans. Afghanistan’s head coach, Jonathan Trott, emphasized the importance of ensuring Rashid’s full recovery from surgery before returning to the field. Trott mentioned that Rashid has ongoing appointments and check-ups to ensure his readiness, with no specific timeframe for his return, prioritizing his well-being over rushing back to cricket activities.