NEW DELHI: The Afghanistan Cricket Board said that prominent cricketer Rashid Khan underwent a minor lower-back surgery in the UK and is anticipated to make a full recovery.
However, the legendary spinner will be absent from the Big Bash League, which begins on December 7.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced in a statement on Friday that Rashid, who was crucial to the team's victory over teams like England and Pakistan in the World Cup in India, had undergone surgery by a renowned surgeon in the UK.
"Afghanistan's cricket sensation, @rashidkhan_19, underwent a minor lower back surgery with the expertise of renowned surgeon Dr. James Alibone in the UK. He has been rested for a brief while and is expected to recover soon," said the ACB statement on X.
Fellow cricketer Mohammad Nabi posted an image of Rashid post surgery and wrote, "Get well soon king".
Rashid's BBL team, Adelaide Strikers, declared on Thursday that he would soon have a minor surgery.
Since 2017, Rashid has been a member of the Strikers.
"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," Tim Nielsen, GM of Cricket at Adelaide Strikers, said.
"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."
Rashid had earlier vowed to skip the BBL in protest of Australia calling off an ODI series against Afghanistan. Rashid was a part of Afghanistan's campaign in the ODI World Cup in India.
(With PTI inputs)
