SA20 2025-26: Why did Rashid Khan miss MICT vs SEC clash?
(Courtesy : Twitter)
Nicholas Pooran is captaining MI Cape Town in the absence of Rashid Khan in the MICT vs SEC clash in the SA20 2025-26.
The MI Cape Town are up against the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the 26th match of the SA20 2025-26. The match between the two teams is underway at the Newlands in Cape Town on Friday, January 16.
The ongoing clash holds great importance for the defending champions, MICT, as they are on the verge of elimination. With them struggling, they have also faced a massive blow as Rashid Khan has left the team midway and won’t feature in the tournament anymore.
Why is Rashid Khan not playing the MICT vs SEC clash in SA20 2025-26?
Rashid Khan has left SA20 2025-26 due to national commitments. He will be joining Afghanistan, who are slated to play a T20I series against West Indies from January 19, ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will begin on February 7.
Khan’s absence is a blow as the leg-spinner is one of the best bowlers across the world, and led his team to the title last season. He would have been crucial for his team in the last two encounters as they are hanging by a thread in the league.
In the absence of Khan, Nicholas Pooran is captaining MI Cape Town in the clash and is expected to lead the team in next game as well. Also, the franchise has added Kieron Pollard in the squad as his Khan’s replacement and the West Indies legend would be eager to turn around the things.
Pollard’s only appearance at SA20 came in 2024, when he smashed 187 runs across the season at a strike rate of 188, and also picked four wickets.
MICT vs SEC: Playing XI’s of both teams
MI Cape Town (Playing XI): Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton(w), Reeza Hendricks, Nicholas Pooran(c), Kieron Pollard, Jason Smith, Dane Piedt, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult
Sunrisers Eastern Cape (Playing XI): Jonny Bairstow, Quinton de Kock(w), Matthew Breetzke, Jordan Hermann, Tristan Stubbs(c), James Coles, Marco Jansen, Lewis Gregory, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Adam Milne
Why isn’t Rashid Khan playing MICT vs SEC clash in the SA20 2025-26?
Rashid has left the SA20 2025-26 due to national commitments.
Who is captaining MI Cape Town against SEC in the SA20 2025-26?
Nicholas Pooran is captaining MI Cape Town in the absence of Rashid in the MICT vs SEC clash in the SA20 2025-26.
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Ankitjit Singh is a dedicated sports journalist whose childhood dream was to play cricket—now, he serves the game through his work. With over three years of experience in reporting, writing, and editing, he brings deep insight to his coverage. A journalism graduate from Delhi University, Ankitjit’s passion for cricket took root during his college days and continues to drive his career.