Afghanistan’s ace legspinner Rashid Khan has been officially drafted into the MI Emirates squad for the current season of the ILT20, replacing England allrounder Jordan Thompson, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to an injury.
Rashid Khan’s Familiar Connection with the MI Franchise
In his 27 years of experience with MI, Rashid Khan is Ascended as one of MI’s Global Family member’s stature. Rashid is one of the Captains for MI Cape Town in the SA20.
He led MI earlier to their first championship with a Win against Sunrisers Eastern Cape in 2020, also played for MI New York, for the MLC 2023-2024 Seasons. Rashid Khan was not involved in the MLC 2025 season. He has been associated with MI Emirates since 2023, during which he gave effective performances, taking four wickets in just two matches.
Limited Availability Ahead of SA20 Commitments
While the ILT20 runs until January 4, 2026, Rashid Khan will not be available for the full duration of the league. He will remain with MI Emirates until December 20 and then head to South Africa to join MI Cape Town for SA20 2025-26. The first game is scheduled on December 26 against Durban’s Super Giants.
MI Emirates Prepare for Season Opener Under Kieron Pollard
The defending champions, MI Emirates, who lifted the ILT20 trophy in 2024, will begin their 2025-26 campaign on December 4 against the Gulf Giants in Dubai, having qualified for the playoffs in all three previous editions. This season, the side is led by veteran allrounder Kieron Pollard. He brings stability and experience to the squad.
ILT20 2025-26 Season Already Underway Desert Vipers won a convincing game against last year’s champions, Dubai Capitals, on December 2, which marked the start of the new ILT20 season. With Rashid Khan joining MI Emirates, the franchise will want to maximise his impact in the crucial early phase of the competition.
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