Follow UsAfghanistan’s ace legspinner Rashid Khan, who was "strongly considering" not returning to the Big Bash League after Cricket Australia cancelled an ODI series against Afghanistan earlier this year, has made himself available for the tournament and will be one of the big names in this year’s draft.
Earlier this year in January, Australia withdrew from the ODI series after the Taliban government banned women and girls' education and employment in Afghanistan. "I am really disappointed to hear that Australia have pulled out of the series to play us in March," Rashid said in a statement at the time.
"If playing Afghanistan is so uncomfortable for Australia, then I wouldn't want to make anyone uncomfortable with my presence in the BBL. Therefore, I will be strongly considering my future in that competition."
Rashid has played all of his 69 BBL encounters for Adelaide Strikers, picking up 98 wickets at an economy of just 6.4. The Strikers will have pick two in this year's BBL Draft and are likely to go after the leggie, who will be available for around eight games before leaving for the SA T20.
Apart from Rashid, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Shafiqullah Ghafari and Izharulhaq Naveed have also been announced as nominations for this year's draft.