Afghanistan’s leg-spinner, Rashid Khan, has reportedly changed his stance and will now be part of the eagerly awaited 2023-24 Big Bash League (BBL) season. This marks a reversal of his earlier decision to boycott the tournament.
At the start of this year, the prominent spinner had issued a strong statement, indicating his intention to withdraw from the BBL. This move came in response to Cricket Australia’s (CA) announcement of pulling out from a scheduled three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. The withdrawal was motivated by concerns over the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education in Afghanistan.
As a consequence of CA’s decision to not engage in matches against Afghanistan, Rashid Khan had left the 2022-23 BBL season midway.
He expressed his disappointment, stating, “I am really disappointed to hear that Australia have pulled out of the series to play us in March. If playing Afghanistan is so uncomfortable for Australia, then I wouldn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable with my presence in the BBL. Therefore, I will be strongly considering my future in that competition.”
Cricket Australia reaffirmed their stance of refraining from participating in matches against Afghanistan. Nevertheless, they extended an invitation to players like Rashid Khan to take part in the BBL.
As per a report from Cricket.com.au, Rashid Khan, the Afghan spin sensation, is expected to be among the most high-profile nominations in this year’s BBL draft.
Having been a consistent presence with the Adelaide Strikers, Rashid Khan’s journey began when he made a remarkable entry onto the scene as a 19-year-old. He emerged as the leading wicket-taker in BBL 7 and was chosen as the second pick in the inaugural BBL draft last year. The Adelaide Strikers, making use of their retention rights, successfully retained him even amidst an attempt by the Melbourne Stars to recruit him.
In the upcoming BBL Draft scheduled for September 3, it is anticipated that the Adelaide Strikers will once again secure the services of the Afghan leg-spinner. The report further adds that Rashid Khan will be available for selection until his departure for a T20 league in South Africa.
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-IANS
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