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In a surprising turn of events for the Big Bash League 2024-25 (BBL 2024-25), Afghanistan’s T20I captain Rashid Khan has chosen to sit out of Australia’s T20 tournament once again. This marks the second consecutive year that the explosive leg-spinner will not participate in the BBL, disappointing fans, Cricket Australia (CA), and the Adelaide Strikers.
Rashid’s decision to withdraw from the player draft for the upcoming BBL 2024-25, set for September 1, is a significant setback for the tournament, given his outstanding performances with the Adelaide Strikers. His notable track record has made him a major draw for the BBL and a favorite among Australian fans.
Big Bash League Struck a Blow as Rashid Khan Opts Out of 2024-25 Season
Last season, Rashid Khan missed the BBL due to back surgery, and he has now chosen to opt out of the league again. The possible reason for his withdrawal might be related to his disagreements with Cricket Australia (CA). In 2023, Rashid voiced his frustration when CA canceled the ODI series against Afghanistan in protest of the Taliban’s restrictive policies on girls’ education.
Although Rashid initially threatened to boycott the BBL over this issue, he later agreed to participate but ultimately withdrew from the T20 league. Reports suggest that Rashid’s manager informed the Adelaide Strikers of his decision. While the club is disappointed by his choice, they remain open to welcoming him back in the future. The Strikers had maintained regular contact with Rashid, but he showed no interest in joining the BBL 2024-25.
CA Believes Scheduling Conflicts Will Lead to Rashid Khan Missing BBL 2024-25
Rashid Khan’s absence represents a significant blow to both Cricket Australia (CA) and the Big Bash League (BBL). His return was anticipated to enhance the BBL’s profile and uphold its reputation for featuring international stars. Despite the setback, CA is reportedly attributing Rashid’s decision more to scheduling conflicts than to any lingering issues from their previous ODI series dispute.
The latter stages of the BBL are expected to overlap with South Africa’s SA20, which could be influencing Rashid’s choice. As one of the world’s premier spinners, Rashid competes in numerous global leagues. He recently played for the Trent Rockets in The Hundred 2024 but was sidelined due to an injury sustained while fielding, leading to his withdrawal from the tournament.
Rashid is next set to appear in the one-off Test against New Zealand starting September 9, followed by a three-match ODI series against South Africa from September 18. He will also join MI New York for the third edition of the SA20 in South Africa. With the 2025 Champions Trophy approaching in February, there is a concerted effort to conclude franchise tournaments promptly.
