Star Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan had to pull out of the Big Bash League on Thursday because he hurt his back and needs to have minor surgery, according to his team.
It was set that the best Twenty20 bowler in the world would play for the Adelaide Strikers for the seventh year in a row in the tournament that starts next month.
In a statement, club general manager Tim Nielson said, “Rashid is a beloved member of the Strikers and a fan favourite who has been with us for seven years, so he will be very missed this summer.”
“Rashid loves Adelaide and the Strikers, and we know how much he loves playing in the BBL, and we support him as he has treatment for this injury to ensure his long-term involvement in the game.”
Khan has played every season with the Strikers since he made his debut as a 19-year-old in 2017. He has taken 98 wickets in 69 games, with his best stats being 6-17.
This is another setback for the BBL. Last week, England’s hard-hitting pitcher Harry Brook decided not to play for the Melbourne Stars because of worries about his workload.