Superstar spinner Rashid Khan is out of the BBL due to injury

The Big Bash will be without one of the tournament’s biggest international draw cards after he pulled out in a monster blow.

The Adelaide Strikers and the Big Bash have suffered a devastating blow with international superstar Rashid Khan ruled out of this year’s tournament due to a back injury which requires a minor operation.

It’s another hammer blow to the BBL following the withdrawal of English batting star Harry Brook, who was the No.2 pick in the draft.

Khan., the world’s number one ranked T20 bowler, has been a mainstay at the Strikers, with the spinner sitting 10th on the BBL’s all-time list with 98 wickets from 69 appearances.

He boasts the third-best figures in competition history, taking 6-17 against the Heat last year, while he also claimed a hat-trick against the Sixers in 2020.

Khan’s loss is a huge blow to the BBL. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

The star spinner was picked by the Strikers with the first pick in this year’s international draft, with Adelaide forced to use its retention pick after the Stars tried to pinch him.

The 25-year-old played a key role for Afghanistan during the recent ODI World Cup, picking up two wickets against Australia in a match they would have won had Glenn Maxwell not gone ballistic with the bat.

“Rashid is a beloved member of the Strikers and a fan favourite who has been with us for seven years, so he will be extremely missed this summer,” Strikers general manager of cricket Tim Nielsen said ahead of the new BBL season which starts next month.

Unfortunately, Rashid Khan has withdrawn from #BBL13 due to injury.

We will miss you this season, Rash!

Read more: https://t.co/bUTGKgGYfm#OurCityOurTeam

— Adelaide Strikers (@StrikersBBL) November 23, 2023

“Rashid loves Adelaide and the Strikers, and we know how much he loves playing in the BBL, and we support him as he has treatment for this injury to ensure his long-term involvement in the game.

“Our list management and coaching staff will now look at our options for replacing Rashid for the upcoming season and a replacement player will be announced in due course.”

While Rashid won’t play this season, the Strikers maintain retention rights in future years which will allow them to keep him if they want.

The news is the latest blow for the BBL after big-hitting Englishman Harry Brook – who was taken by the Stars with the second pick in the draft – pulled out of his contract due to his increased workload.