In a blow to MLC 2025, Afghanistan’s dashing all-rounder Rashid Khan has withdrawn from the next edition of Major League Cricket. The flagship T20 tournament, opening on Friday, June 13, will now be without one of its most influential players. Rashid’s Afghan counterpart, Azmatullah Omarzai, has also withdrawn from the tournament, citing taking a cricketing break.
Rashid Khan Opts Out of MLC 2025
Rashid Khan, a key member of the MI New York squad, will not feature in MLC 2025. As per ESPNcricinfo, Rashid has decided to take a break from competitive cricket, resulting in his absence from this year’s tournament.
Rashid was MI New York’s top bowler in the last MLC season, taking 10 wickets at an economy rate of 6.15. Even with his heroics, MI New York managed only to place fourth, winning two games in seven.
Rashid Khan’s Struggles in IPL 2025
Rashid’s decision to take a break follows a tough season in the IPL 2025, where he played for the Gujarat Titans. His team’s performance in the tournament was disappointing, taking only 9 wickets, his lowest number since making his IPL debut in 2017. His economy was 9.34 and average 57.11, and he also allowed 33 sixes, the most by a bowler in a single season of the IPL.
This dip in form might have led Rashid to decide to take a break from the game for the time being and miss MLC 2025.
Azmatullah Omarzai Also Out of MLC 2025
MI New York has suffered yet another setback with Azmatullah Omarzai also missing MLC 2025. Similar to Rashid, he too has taken a break after his stint at IPL 2025, where he featured for the Punjab Kings, who finished the season in the second spot.
Omarzai’s well-rounded talent was to bring depth to MI New York, and his withdrawal now further disposes them.
Some Relief: Other Afghan Players Cleared for MLC 2025
Despite these pull-outs, MLC 2025 gained a boost with the confirmed presence of other Afghanistan players:
Naveen-ul-Haq – To play for MI New York
Noor Ahmad – To represent Texas Super Kings
Waqar Salamkheil – To join Seattle Orcas
Such players have managed to join the sides in spite of ambiguity regarding their availability because of the US government’s travel ban.
US Travel Ban Hits Afghan Cricketers
The US recently imposed a travel ban on citizens of 12 nations, including Afghanistan, which has resulted in visa barriers for Afghan cricketers. Though Rashid Khan and Omarzai stayed away for personal reasons, others are going through bureaucratic holds.
Two Afghan players, Gulbadin Naib and Fazalhaq Farooqi, both signed with Seattle Orcas, are pending US visas and risk missing early games of MLC 2025.
Effect on MI New York in MLC 2025
With Rashid Khan and Omarzai out, MI New York will have to re-strategize before MLC 2025. Rashid was a game-changer in the last season and a crowd darling. His absence will be deeply felt in the bowling lineup. But with Naveen-ul-Haq and possibly other global stars in the mix, the team might be able to remain competitive.
