Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah says medical staff have advised against rushing the leg-spinner into Test cricket because of his previous back injury and workload concerns.
Afghanistan have decided against rushing star leg-spinner Rashid Khan back into Test cricket for the two-match series against Zimbabwe, following medical advice concerning his fitness and workload management.
Afghanistan Test captain Rahmat Shah confirmed that the team’s medical staff and physiotherapists have recommended that Rashid should not play Test matches at present because he is not fully fit.
“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 ahead of the series.
He added that Afghanistan could not risk losing the experienced spinner for white-ball cricket, where he remains a key player.
Rashid has played only six Test matches in his career, compared with more than 245 appearances across the limited-overs formats. His participation in Test cricket has remained uncertain because of concerns surrounding his back injury.
Rahmat explained that Test cricket places considerably greater physical demands on bowlers than T20 cricket, making workload management particularly important for Rashid.
He said that a long partnership could require Afghanistan’s main spinner to bowl extended spells, potentially increasing the strain on his back.
According to Rahmat, Rashid’s physiotherapist has advised careful workload management because of his previous injury.
Despite his absence, the Afghanistan captain stressed that Rashid remains part of the team’s long-term Test plans.
“As soon as he gets ready and 100 per cent fit, he will obviously be part of the Test squad,” Rahmat said.
Afghanistan enter the Zimbabwe series after drawing their previous Test against Bangladesh following a determined performance on the final day.
The first Test against Zimbabwe begins on November 5 in Sharjah, while the second match is scheduled for November 13 at the same venue.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Test series schedule
• First Test: November 5–9, Sharjah
• Second Test: November 13–17, Sharjah