Rashid Khan Limits Test Appearances to Prolong Career

Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner Rashid Khan has decided to significantly scale back his participation in Test cricket, opting to play just one match per year in an effort to extend his international career.

The 27-year-old, who also captains Afghanistan in T20 Internationals, revealed that the decision comes after ongoing concerns about a back injury that has troubled him since 2023. Medical advice had urged him to step away from the demands of red-ball cricket, but Rashid admitted he initially pushed through the pain, even playing against recommendations.

Reflecting on a Test match against Zimbabwe in early 2025, Rashid said the workload took a serious toll. He bowled over 50 overs in the game, a level of exertion that alarmed medical professionals. “The doctor told me if I wanted to keep playing cricket for long, I had to be careful. That kind of workload is not sustainable,” he said.

Rashid had earlier delayed surgery to remain available for Afghanistan during the 2023 World Cup, a decision that affected both his performance and physical condition. Now, he is prioritizing long-term fitness and career longevity, particularly with major limited-overs tournaments on the horizon.

He has already indicated he is unlikely to feature in Afghanistan’s upcoming Test against India in June 2026. Instead, his focus will shift toward preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

“Test cricket is tough on the body, especially for me as a spinner who has to bowl long spells,” Rashid explained. “I can manage one Test a year, but anything more becomes difficult.”

Despite his limited appearances, Rashid has been highly effective in the format. Since making his debut in 2018, he has played six Tests and taken 45 wickets at an impressive average of 20.44.

Currently, Rashid is in strong form in the Indian Premier League, where he recently delivered a match-winning performance for Gujarat Titans, taking three wickets for just 17 runs to secure a narrow victory over Delhi Capitals.

While Test cricket may take a backseat, Rashid remains committed to contributing across formats—carefully managing his workload to ensure he continues to play a key role for Afghanistan in the years ahead.