Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan took centre-stage in this year’s Indian Premier League when his team, Sunrisers Hyderabad, made it to the semi finals of the tournament. He then went from strength to strength impressing all with his performance in the recently concluded Carribean Premier League, bagging a maiden hat trick. Rashid Khan is also credited for highlighting Afghanistan’s interest in cricket and placing the country on the cricketing map. After Ireland, now Afghanistan has also acquired a Test status, which is massive in terms of the growth of the sport in the nation. But it seems the Australians also had their eyes set on Rashid and got him on board as soon as the CPL concluded. Rashid Khan will feature in the Big Bash League for the Adelaide Strikers this year.
“I am very happy to have signed with the Strikers for the BBL,” Rashid said. “It is a huge honour to be a part of such a great tournament and even more of an honour to be the first Afghanistan player to participate on the BBL stage. I look forward to linking up with my Strikers teammates and backroom staff.”
Jason Gillespie, the Strikers coach, said the team was delighted to procure the services of the legspinner. “Rashid has set the world alight in T20 cricket with his energy, enthusiasm, and great control for a young guy. He has some great variations, can bowl stump-to-stump and can be very hard to pick. We’re delighted to be able to offer him the opportunity to play for the Adelaide Strikers.”
Adelaide Strikers Current squad: Wes Agar, Alex Carey, Jono Dean, Ben Laughlin, Jake Lehmann, Michael Neser, Peter Siddle, Billy Stanlake, Jake Weatherald, Colin Ingram (overseas), Rashid Khan (overseas)
The Australian league would serve as a huge platform for the youngster, who is already being hailed in many cricketing corners as Shane Warne’s predecessor in leg-spin bowling.
