Rashid Khan Reverses Decision, Will Join 2023-24 Big Bash League Season After Earlier Threat to Boycott
Afghan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has chosen to participate in the upcoming 2023-24 Big Bash League (BBL) season, retracting his previous intention to boycott the event due to Cricket Australia’s stance on Afghanistan matches.
Afghanistan’s talented leg-spinner, Rashid Khan, has reportedly reversed his stance and decided to participate in the upcoming 2023-24 Big Bash League (BBL) season. This decision marks a change from his earlier announcement to boycott the tournament.
In January of this year, Rashid Khan had caused a stir by threatening to withdraw from the BBL. This decision came in response to Cricket Australia’s (CA) move to cancel a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, citing concerns over the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education in the country.
The repercussions of CA’s decision extended to the BBL, leading Rashid Khan to leave the 2022-23 season midway. His frustration was evident when he stated, “I am really disappointed to hear that Australia have pulled out of the series to play us in March. If playing Afghanistan is so uncomfortable for Australia, then I wouldn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable with my presence in the BBL. Therefore, I will be strongly considering my future in that competition.”
While Cricket Australia upheld its stance of not participating in matches involving Afghanistan, they did extend an invitation for players like Rashid Khan from Afghanistan to take part in the BBL.
A recent report from Cricket.com.au suggests that the Afghan spin maestro is expected to be one of the prominent nominations in this year’s BBL draft.
Rashid Khan’s BBL journey has primarily been with the Adelaide Strikers, starting when he burst onto the scene as a 19-year-old. His remarkable performance led him to become the leading wicket-taker in BBL 7. In the inaugural BBL draft last year, he was selected as the second pick and retained by the Strikers despite an attempt by the Melbourne Stars to acquire him.
As the BBL Draft is set to take place on September 3, the Adelaide Strikers are anticipated to once again secure the services of Rashid Khan. He is expected to be available until his departure for a T20 league in South Africa, according to the report.
-IANS