The Adelaide Strikers have been rocked by the news that Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has withdrawn from the upcoming Season 13 of the Big Bash League due to a back injury requiring minor surgery.

Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan will not take part in Big Bash League (BBL) Season 13 as he needs to undergo a minor back surgery. Earlier this year, Rashid missed a few ODIs against Sri Lanka due to a back injury and also skipped the Men's Hundred competition in England. He recently played in the 2023 ODI World Cup where Afghanistan exceeded expectations and almost made it to the semi-finals. The star bowler finished nine games with 11 wickets.

The Adelaide Strikers confirmed in a statement that their star player will not take part in the upcoming BBL edition due to a back injury that would require minor surgery. The 25-year-old “withdrew from the upcoming BBL 13 due to a back injury that required minor surgery,” the Strikers said in a statement.

“Rashid is a beloved member of the Strikers and a fan favorite who has been with us for seven years, so he will be greatly missed this summer,” Nielsen said.

“Rashid loves Adelaide Strikers and we know how much he loves playing in the BBL and we support him as his injury is treated to ensure his long-term commitment to the game,” he said

Nielsen further said: “Management and coaching staff will now assess our options to replace Rashid for the coming season and a replacement player will be announced in due course.”

The Nangarhar native made his BBL debut in December 2017 and has played 69 matches in which he took 98 wickets at an average of 17.51 ​​and an economy of 6.44. Nielsen said they had not yet agreed on a replacement for Rashid for the coming season but would explore possible options later. He also stated that the Strikers will have the retention rights of Rashid for the coming seasons.

Rashid is not the first foreign player to withdraw from BBL 13. Earlier, talented English batsman Harry Brook, who was due to play for the Melbourne Stars, withdrew from the tournament to manage his workload.