SA20 2025-26: Why did Rashid Khan miss SEC vs MICT clash?
(Courtesy : Twitter)
Rashid Khan captained MI Cape Town in the majority of the tournament before leaving home, handing the onus to Nicholas Pooran.
The MI Cape Town are up against the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in their last game of the SA20 2025-26.. The match between the two teams is underway at the St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Sunday, January 18.
While SEC have qualified for playoffs, MICT, are still in contention, but chances of them qualifying are very less. With them struggling, they have also faced a massive blow as Rashid Khan left the team midway and flew back home.
Why is Rashid Khan not playing the SEC vs MICT 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 encounter 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 added Kieron Pollard in the squad, and the West Indies legend would be eager to turn around the things.
Pollard last featured in SA20 2024, when he smashed 187 runs across the season at a strike rate of 188, and also picked four wickets.
SEC vs MICT: Playing XI’s of both teams
Sunrisers Eastern Cape (Playing XI): Quinton de Kock(w), Jonny Bairstow, Matthew Breetzke, Jordan Hermann, Tristan Stubbs(c), Marco Jansen, Chris Green, James Coles, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Adam Milne
MI Cape Town (Playing XI): Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton(w), Reeza Hendricks, Nicholas Pooran(c), Kieron Pollard, Jason Smith, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult
Why isn’t Rashid Khan playing SEC vs MICT 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.