The much-anticipated Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 season, also known as BBL|14, is set to kick off on 15 December 2024 and will run until the final on 27 January 2025. This year, however, the tournament will witness a significant absence with the withdrawal of Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, a player who has been a vital part of the Adelaide Strikers’ success since his debut in 2017.
Rashid Khan Opts Out of BBL 2024-25
In a surprising decision, Rashid Khan, one of the most celebrated overseas players in the history of the BBL, has opted out of the 2024-25 Big Bash League season. Citing a packed international schedule, the Afghan all-rounder has chosen not to participate in this year’s tournament, a move that will undoubtedly impact both the Adelaide Strikers and the overall league.
Rashid Khan has been a dominant force in the BBL, with 98 wickets in 69 matches, making him the highest wicket-taker among international players in the competition. His departure comes after a series of commitments with Afghanistan’s national team, which will play against Zimbabwe in December, along with Rashid’s participation in the SA20 cricket tournament for MI Cape Town in January 2025.
Impact on the Adelaide Strikers and the League
The Adelaide Strikers will undoubtedly feel the absence of their star leg-spinner. Rashid Khan’s ability to both bowl economically and strike at key moments has made him a match-winner for the Strikers, with standout performances in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons. His economy rate of 6.44 and strike rate of 150.37 with the bat have added depth and versatility to the team.
New Faces in the BBL 2024-25 Overseas Draft
Despite Rashid Khan’s exit, the BBL 2024-25 season promises plenty of international star power. Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Ur Rahman, a talented spinner and Rashid’s national team-mate, is among the overseas players nominated for the draft. Unlike Rashid, Mujeeb is not committed to the SA20 and is expected to make his mark in this edition of the BBL.
Other notable names in the overseas draft include England’s Laurie Evans, Alex Hales, James Vince, Jason Roy, and Jamie Overton. New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson, West Indies’ Shamar Joseph, and Pakistan’s Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf are also set to make appearances, bringing a wealth of international experience to the tournament.
A Packed International Schedule for Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan’s withdrawal is also a reflection of his intense international schedule. Afghanistan, currently ranked world No. 10 in T20 cricket, is slated to face Zimbabwe in a series of Test and white-ball matches in December 2024. Following these matches, Rashid will participate in the SA20 for MI Cape Town alongside his compatriot Azmatullah Omarzai.
Earlier in 2024, Rashid played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s historic semi-final run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. With his packed international and domestic commitments, it’s clear that his absence from the BBL is more a matter of necessity than choice.
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