- Star spinner Rashid Khan withdraws from PSL 2024 due to cautious recovery from back surgery, posing a challenge for Lahore Qalandars.
- Virtual draft on Monday to fill Rashid’s spot, Lahore Qalandars actively seeking a replacement for the upcoming season.
- Teams make strategic adjustments as other key players, including Noor Ahmad and Tom Curran, also withdraw, adding complexity to PSL 2024 preparations.
In a significant development ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2024), star spinner Rashid Khan has withdrawn from the tournament as part of a cautious approach in his return from back surgery. Having played a pivotal role in Lahore Qalandars’ PSL titles in 2022 and 2023, Rashid’s absence poses a challenge for the team.
Despite being retained in the ‘silver’ salary bracket, concerns arose about Rashid’s availability for the 2024 edition due to his ongoing recovery from back surgery. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed a virtual supplementary and replacement draft on Monday to fill Rashid’s spot in Lahore Qalandars, requiring the team to swiftly find a suitable replacement.
Rashid, who traveled with Afghanistan to India, was not deemed fit to play during the T20I series, emphasizing the cautious nature of his rehabilitation. Lahore Qalandars’ head coach, Jonathan Trott, stressed the importance of ensuring Rashid’s 100% readiness before his return to the field. There is no specific time-frame for Rashid’s comeback, with the focus squarely on a thorough recovery rather than rushing him back into action.
Rashid Khan set to play IPL
However, there is a positive note for the spinner’s fans as he remains on track to be fit for his IPL commitments with Gujarat Titans, and a potential return for Afghanistan during Ireland’s tour to the UAE is being considered.
In other PSL updates, Qalandars will also be signing a partial replacement for Dan Lawrence, who joined England’s Test squad. Additionally, Noor Ahmad, a platinum pick for Peshawar Zalmi, has withdrawn due to international commitments, prompting the team to find a partial replacement for Naveen-ul-Haq. Teams like Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators are also securing partial replacements for key players.
The withdrawal of Tom Curran, drafted by Islamabad United, due to a knee injury sustained in the Big Bash League adds to the challenges faced by teams. However, teams are actively seeking suitable replacements, and the virtual supplementary and replacement draft on Monday becomes a crucial event for them to finalize their squads and maintain competitiveness in the upcoming PSL season.
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When will PSL 9 supplementary and replacement draft take place?
