Rashid Khan chooses PSL over Sussex stint

Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has decided that he will play the entire Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2021 in Abu Dhabi, rather than playing in the T20 Blast with Sussex. Rashid was supposed to head to England after the PSL to play for the Sussex Sharks, which will not be happening now.

"Unfortunately, I only played two games in PSL 6 and had to go away for national duty. Now I had the option to stay back in England and here I must appreciate Sussex for their help and understanding as I had to decide between missing five games with the county or playing a whole tournament like PSL which seemed like a better option, especially as the fans wanted me to play in the PSL," Rashid told Cricket Pakistan 

Rashid also feels that the PSL is a great opportunity for other Afghanistan players and it will also help the relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. "All the players who have come from Afghanistan and are playing the PSL, this is a great opportunity for them to come and play alongside top players and to improve their own cricket. For all those Afghan youngsters who have not got an opportunity to play in other leagues, this is a great chance to prove that they have the skills and talent to play in top-level cricket," Rashid, who will play for Lahore Qalandars said. 

"Playing cricket between two countries will increase the love and respect between players of both sides; Sports is all about bringing unity between countries," he added.

After it came to a halt due to increasing Covid-19 cases among players and staff, the PSL 2021 will resume on June 9 with all matches scheduled to be played in Abu Dhabi.