Afghanistan faces a setback in their T20I series against India as star leg-spinner Rashid Khan has been ruled out due to incomplete recovery from back surgery. The news was confirmed by captain Ibrahim Zadran, who expressed regret over Rashid’s absence and emphasizing the team’s trust in other players for the series starting on January 11.
Zadran acknowledged Rashid Khan’s ongoing rehabilitation, stating, “He is not totally fit. He is doing his rehab. We will miss him in the series.” Despite the setback, Afghanistan aims to use the series to enhance their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Zadran stressed the need for improvement in the batting department while highlighting the team’s formidable spinners and fast bowlers.
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“We have one of the best spinners in the world, we have fast bowlers as well, but our aim is to improve batting skills,” Zadran noted during the pre-match press conference in Mohali.
Rashid Khan was not expected to play the T20Is in India, and that is now confirmed as he continues to recover from a back surgery #INDvAFG
▶️ https://t.co/gTPU7rbASL pic.twitter.com/eqSZXAbZel
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 10, 2024
Even without Rashid Khan, Afghanistan plans to field a competitive team against India, with players like Mujeeb Ur Rahman stepping up. Zadran expressed confidence in the team’s depth, stating, “We have trust in them. We will struggle without Rashid, but one should be ready for any kind of situation.”
Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) implemented new regulatory measures on Monday, allowing players like Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Naveen Ul Haq to participate in franchise leagues with salary deductions and a final warning to prioritize national duty.
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“Final Warning and Salary Deduction” was among the regulatory measures issued by the ACB, indicating the board’s commitment to players’ discipline and national duty. The statement also mentioned the strict consideration of NOCs (No Objection Certificates) and the possibility of granting central contracts while monitoring performance and discipline.
As Afghanistan faces India in the T20I series, they navigate challenges with Rashid Khan’s absence and strive for improved batting performances to fine-tune their approach for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
