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Afghanistan’s premier spinner, Rashid Khan, has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20I series against India, set to commence on January 11, as confirmed by skipper Ibrahim Zadran. Rashid underwent a minor lower back surgery in the UK on November 24 and has been on the sidelines since. Despite traveling with the team, he is not deemed fully fit, and his absence is expected to be a significant blow to the Afghanistan squad.
Expressing the team’s reliance on Rashid Khan’s experience, Zadran acknowledged the challenges they will face without the star spinner but emphasized the unpredictable nature of cricket.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) had earlier indicated that Rashid might not participate in any games against India as he continues his recovery from the recent back surgery. The 25-year-old was included in the Afghanistan squad as a reserve player during their recent T20I series against the UAE.
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The three-match T20I series is slated to take place from December 29, 2023, to January 2, 2024, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. This marks the first bilateral men’s T20I series between India and Afghanistan, with matches scheduled in Mohali, Indore, and Bengaluru on January 11, 14, and 17, respectively.
This series holds significance for India as it serves as their final international outing before the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA, scheduled from June 1-29. Rashid Khan’s absence will be closely observed, impacting Afghanistan’s strategy and performance in the T20I series against India.
–IANS
