Renowned Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan withdrew from the Big Bash League on Thursday due to a back issue that will require minor surgery, according to his team.
Beginning next month, the top-ranked Twenty20 bowler in the world was scheduled to represent the Adelaide Strikers in the tournament for the eighth time.
“Rashid is a beloved member of the Strikers and a fan favourite who has been with us for seven years, so he will be extremely missed this summer,” club general manager Tim Nielson said in a statement.
“Rashid loves Adelaide and the Strikers, and we know how much he loves playing in the BBL, and we support him as he has treatment for this injury to ensure his long-term involvement in the game.”
Since making his debut as a 19-year-old in 2017, Khan has participated in every season with the Strikers, taking 98 wickets in 69 games with top figures of 6-17.
His departure is a further setback for the BBL, following the decision last week by hard-hitting England batter Harry Brook to forego playing for the Melbourne Stars due to workload issues.
