Star Adelaide Strikers spinner Rashid Khan flies home to Afghanistan after the death of his dad

Star spinner Rashid Khan has returned to Afghanistan following the death of his father but the Strikers are confident he will be back to play in Friday night’s Adelaide Oval blockbuster against Melbourne Stars.

Striker Rashid Khan celebrates taking the wicket of Sydney Sixers captain Moises Henriques on Sunday. Picture: JAMES ELSBY (AAP).

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ADELAIDE Strikers star Rashid Khan has returned to Afghanistan following the death of his father.

But the Strikers insist the spin wizard, who played in the upset loss to the Sydney Sixers on Sunday, will be back in Australia to play in Friday night’s blockbuster BBL08 clash against the Melbourne Stars at Adelaide Oval.

“We’ve had a couple of days off so he has ducked home for a couple of days,’’ Strikers batsman Jon Wells said.

“I’m not sure when he’s returning but I’d expect him to be available to play on Friday.’’

An emotional Rashid Khan acknowledges the applauding crowd after a wicket on New Year’s Eve after losing his father the previous night. Picture Sarah Reed

A Strikers spokesman said Rashid — Adelaide's most important player because of his wizardry with the ball and bat — is expected to arrive back in Adelaide on Thursday and is a certain starter against the Stars.

Rashid’s dad passed away in Afghanistan on December 30.

But the 20-year-old Rashid still played in the Strikers New Year’s Eve clash against the Sydney Thunder in what was an emotional night, taking 2/34 from four overs in the 20-run win.

Rashid later thanked the Strikers fans and the Australian cricket “family” for their support following his late father’s death.

He later revealed it was his family back in Afghanistan who had urged him to continue playing as that is what his father would have wanted.

“I didn’t feel like I’m alone here,’’ Rashid said.

“The whole Australia is my family, everyone is looking after me very closely and very friendly and like a family member.

“They give me lots of love and the way the team, my captain, my coaches, my management — the way they supported me has been great.

“I really love that — that kept me alive there, fresh and fine.’’

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Originally published as Star Adelaide Strikers spinner Rashid Khan flies home to Afghanistan after the death of his dad