Aoba Tanaka 
Afghanistan’s star spinner, Rashid Khan, has officially withdrawn from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024, citing the need for continued caution in his recovery from back surgery. The Lahore Qalandars’ player had undergone surgery in November and, while he was initially retained for future seasons, the decision to withdraw aims to ensure a full and unhurried recovery.
Rashid, a key figure in Lahore Qalandars’ championship-winning campaigns in 2022 and 2023, had been retained in the ‘silver’ salary bracket for future seasons. However, the franchise, understanding his unavailability for PSL 2024, will now explore replacements in the supplementary and replacement draft, scheduled virtually for Monday.
Despite joining his Afghanistan teammates during the T20I series in India, Rashid wasn’t deemed fit for play, highlighting the cautious approach adopted by his team. The Lahore Qalandars’ coaching staff, led by head coach Jonathan Trott, emphasized the importance of prioritizing Rashid’s recovery.
Trott stated, “It is a case of us making sure that we are really careful with his back. He is such an influential player: we have to make sure he is 100% ready and not rush him back from that type of surgery… when he is ready, he will be the first one to get on the field.”
While Rashid’s return timeline remains uncertain, there is optimism that he might be fit in time for his commitments with Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The spinner might also feature for Afghanistan during Ireland’s multi-format tour to the UAE from February 28 to March 18.
Lahore Qalandars will now seek a partial replacement for Dan Lawrence, drafted into England’s Test squad, and explore options for Rashid’s stand-in during PSL 2024. The virtual draft on Monday will provide the franchise with an opportunity to bolster their squad ahead of the upcoming season.
