The Big Bash League (BBL) encountered a double setback within a week as Rashid Khan, the No.1 pick in the BBL draft for the Adelaide Strikers, decided to withdraw from the upcoming season due to back injury.
This follows the withdrawal of England’s Ashes hero, Harry Brook, who was set to join the Melbourne Stars as the No.2 pick, citing concerns about workload. Khan’s departure is attributed to a back injury requiring a minor operation, a significant blow according to Strikers’ general manager, Tim Nielsen.
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Rashid Khan had a fair run at Cricket World Cup 2023 as his team came all the way to beat Pakistan and England as both were considered two of the strongest team of the tournament. Rashid didn’t take many wickets but he bowled courageously and bowled with pretty good economy.
Khan, a fan favorite and a member of the Strikers for seven years, will be missed during the upcoming season. Despite the setback, the Strikers expressed support for Khan’s decision to undergo treatment for his injury, ensuring his long-term involvement in the game.
The leg-spinner had previously considered quitting the BBL before the draft, expressing his displeasure after Cricket Australia withdrew from a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates.
In January, Khan stated that if playing against Afghanistan made Australia uncomfortable, he wouldn’t want to cause discomfort in the BBL. However, he later reversed this decision and participated in the draft.
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The Strikers, faced with the challenge of replacing Khan, will announce a replacement player in due course. The team’s management acknowledged Khan’s love for Adelaide and the Strikers, emphasizing their commitment to supporting him in his recovery.
Despite the setbacks, the Adelaide Strikers will retain retention rights for Rashid Khan in future BBL seasons.
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This year, BBL drafted multiple big stars of cricket world to expand the horizons of the league and for the accretion and support of the league among local fans.
The BBL is set to commence with a match between the Brisbane Heat and the Melbourne Stars on December 7th, marking the beginning of the men’s BBL season.
