Rashid Khan ruled out of first two ODIs against Sri Lanka

Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan picked 27 wickets in the recently concluded IPL 2023.

In a big setback to Afghanistan before the Sri Lanka series, their prime leg-spinner Rashid Khan was ruled out of the first two ODIs. Rashid Khan has a lower back that caused him to stay away from the action in the first two ODIs against Sri Lanka. Afghanistan’s 3-match ODI series is scheduled to begin on 2nd June at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota. Rashid Khan was involved in the almost 3-day-long IPL 2023 final in Ahmedabad. Rashid Khan was amongst the leading wicket-takers in the IPL 2023. This will be a big challenge for Afghanistan who will go without their ace match-winner in white ball cricket in the initial two ODIs. 

Rashid Khan to play in the final ODI

Afghanistan Cricket Board stated that leg-spinner Rashid Khan will remain under full medical observation and is expected to return for the final ODI against Sri Lanka on 7th June. "Rashid will remain under full medical observation, and is expected to return for the final ODI on June 7," stated RCB in a release. Afghanistan will hope that Rashid’s injury does not aggravate and he gets fit before resuming their red-ball cricket against Bangladesh. In his absence, Mohammed Nabi, Noor Ahmed, and Mujeeb ur Rahman will have key roles in spin-friendly Sri Lankan conditions. Afghanistan last toured Sri Lanka in November last year in 2022 for a 3-match ODI series. They both played a 1-1 draw, while one ODI in Pallekele was washed out. 

Both Noor Ahmed and Rashid Khan played magnificent roles for Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2023. Afghanistan will be taking this series as preparation for the big ICC Cricket World Cup in 2023. They have earned the direct qualification while Sri Lanka will be going through a rigorous process in World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe this month. Along with Sri Lanka, two times World Champions West Indies will also take part in the qualifiers scheduled to start on 18th June.