Lahore Qalandars Hit by Setback as Rashid Khan Ruled Out of PSL 9
LAHORE, Jan 17: Afghanistan's leg-spinner Rashid Khan will not be able to participate in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 9 following surgery on his lower back. Afghanistan's head coach, Jonathan Trot, emphasized the management's cautious approach to handle Rashid's injury.
Rashid Khan, who did not participate in the BBL and the T20I series against India earlier, is currently traveling with the team, but full fitness is yet to be achieved. Jonathan Trot stated, "It's a delicate matter for us to take care of his back cautiously. He is an impactful player, and we need to ensure he is 100% ready and not rush his recovery. He is working hard, and he is with the team."
He further mentioned, "Rashid is a passionate and giving player for the Afghan national team. When he is ready, he will be the first to step onto the field. We have conducted additional meetings and check-ups to ensure everything is okay. There is no definite timeframe, and I hope it happens later rather than sooner. But there's no pressure, and there's no rush."
Remember, the opening match of PSL 9 will take place at Lahore's National Bank Stadium, where Lahore Qalandars, the two-time champions and current title holders, will face Islamabad United, the champions of the 2016 and 2018 editions. This premier cricket event will be played across four cities: Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi, with the final scheduled for March 18 at Karachi's National Bank Stadium. The tournament will feature six teams competing in 34 T20 matches.
