Rashid Khan in Test jersey for Afghanistan (Source: AFP Photos)
Rashid Khan, one of the finest spinners of this generation, has played only six Test matches so far in his illustrious career. His last red-ball match for Afghanistan came in January 2025 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.
Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will play a two-match Test series, which began on Thursday (November 5) in Sharjah. Ahead of the match, Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah attended a press conference.
There, Rahmat was asked whether Rashid would return to play Test cricket for Afghanistan again in the future.
Rahmat Shah Sheds Light On Rashid Khan’s Lower-Back Injury Worries
Rahmat highlighted that Rashid Khan’s persistent lower back issues, which began after his major surgery in 2023, prevent him from bowling longer spells in Tests.
“Talking about Rashid, it has been recommended by the team medical staff and physio trainers that he should not be playing Test games at the moment because he is still not ready,” Rahmat said at the press conference.
Besides, Rahmat also highlighted how important Rashid, who made headlines for the same reason in the past, has been to them in white-ball cricket. Not to forget, he has already played 126 ODIs and 121 T20Is for the country since making his debut in 2015.
“We cannot risk losing Rashid for white-ball cricket: he is such an important player. I am praying he gets better soon, and he loves Test cricket. However, if his body is not allowing it and based on the reports from the doctors and medical team, we wouldn't take a risk. He's our main spinner and if he gets in the team, definitely when there's a long partnership, I will ask him to come and bowl regularly a lot," he added.
“It will be load on him (in Tests) because in short formats, in T20, it's only three-hour game and a bowler will ball only four overs. But in Tests, there is a lot of workload and as per Rashid physio, he has to manage his workload due to his back injury in the past."
Rashid Khan’s Test Comeback On Its Way
However, Rahmat Shah, to delight Rashid’s ardent fans, confirmed that he has already discussed the subject with Rashid as well as with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), and a potential Test comeback for him is on the way.
“I’ve had personal discussions with him and the ACB and as soon as he gets ready and 100 per cent fit, he will obviously be part of the Test squad,” Rahmat concluded.
A serial wicket-taker in white-ball cricket, Rashid has taken 45 Test wickets across 11 innings, averaging 20.44.
