Rashid Khan, following a cautious approach to his recovery from back surgery, has decided to withdraw from the Pakistan Super League. He had been a key player for Lahore Qalandars in the last three PSL seasons, winning titles in 2022 and 2023.
Despite being retained in the ‘silver’ salary bracket for the 2024 edition, it was anticipated that he might not be available. Officially pulling out of the tournament, Rashid’s absence allows Qalandars to secure a replacement through the supplementary and replacement draft, which will be conducted virtually on Monday, as confirmed by the PCB.
Rashid, who underwent surgery in November, has been on a careful rehabilitation journey. Although he traveled to India with the Afghanistan team, he was not fit enough to play in the T20I series. The Lahore Qalandars’ head coach, Jonathan Trott, emphasized the need for caution in Rashid’s recovery, stating that they want him to be 100% ready and will not rush him back. While there is no specific timeframe, Trott expressed hope that Rashid would return soon but emphasized the absence of pressure or haste.
Sources indicate that Rashid is expected to recover in time for his commitments with the Gujarat Titans in the IPL. There is also a possibility of him featuring for Afghanistan during Ireland’s multi-format tour to the UAE from February 28 to March 18.
Additionally, Lahore Qalandars will sign a partial replacement for Dan Lawrence, who joined the England Test squad, while Peshawar Zalmi’s Noor Ahmad has withdrawn due to international commitments. Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators, and Peshawar Zalmi are also in the process of securing partial replacements for various players, including Kieron Pollard, Tim Seifert, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Tom Curran, who withdrew from the full PSL season due to a knee injury suffered in the Big Bash League.
