Blow to Lahore Qalandars: Key player to miss PSL 9

The defending champions of the Pakistan Super League, Lahore Qalandars, has been deprived of leg spinner Rashid Khan. 

Afghanistan's Rashid has suffered a back injury, and has underwent a surgery. Rashid Khan has informed the management of Lahore Qalandars about his unavailability. 

The Afghan all-rounder has been an integral part of Qalandars team and has contributed significantly in making Qalandars two-time champions of PSL.

The Pakistan Super League event is scheduled to take place in Lahore from February 17, and Rashid's absence is a significant setback for Lahore Qalandars.

Shaheen-led Qalandars will have the opportunity to acquire a replacement for Rashid in the supplementary and replacement draft, as confirmed by the PCB, scheduled to take place virtually on Monday.

Lahore Qalandars' Chief Executive, Atif Rana, while talking to media expressed regret over Rashid's absence.  

"It is upsetting that we have been deprived of Rashid Khan. He is a big name and a match-winner. No one can replace Rashid completely. Efforts will be made to include a good player in the squad in place of Rashid," Rana said.

It is worth noting that earlier Afghanistan's head coach, Jonathan Trott, also expressed the team's cautious approach to managing Rashid's injury.

Trott emphasized the importance of handling Rashid's recovery with care, given his significant influence on the team.

"It is a case of us making sure that we are really careful with his back," Trott said. "He is such an influential player, we have to make sure he is 100% ready and not rush him back from that type of surgery. It is important to give him the right time and he is working extremely hard and he is here with the team," Trott said.

Lahore Qalandars are also set to secure a temporary replacement for Dan Lawrence, who joined England's Test squad against India following Harry Brook's withdrawal for personal reasons. Noor Ahmad, initially selected as a platinum player for Peshawar Zalmi, has opted out due to international commitments. Additionally, Zalmi will be making arrangements for a stand-in player for Naveen-ul-Haq.

Karachi Kings are set to enlist temporary replacements for Kieron Pollard and Tim Seifert, while Quetta Gladiators are in search of a stand-in for Wanindu Hasaranga.

Tom Curran, who sustained a knee injury in the Big Bash League, has opted out of the entire PSL season despite being initially picked by Islamabad United.