London, Feb 6 (IBNS): Afghanistan player Rashid Khan, the world’s second highest ranked T20 bowler, will play for English cricket side Sussex Sharks in this year’s T20 Blast.
The Afghan leg-spinner will be available for the first half of the tournament, subject to international clearance and visa approval, the club said in a statement.
After agreeing to join the Sharks, Khan told the club website: “I am delighted to have signed for Sussex for part of the T20 Blast.
“It has always been an ambition of mine to play county cricket and the fact I get to link up again with Dizzy [Sussex Head Coach, Jason Gillespie] is very exciting.
“I have heard a lot of good things about Sussex and am excited to join a talented squad and I hope to help the team push for T20 silverware.”
The 19-year-old is one of the most sought-after cricketers by teams around the world. At the recent IPL auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad paid close to a million pounds to retain Khan’s services for a second season in 2018.
So far in his short career, he has also played for sides in the Caribbean Premier League, Bangladesh Premier League and Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).
Khan was the joint leading wicket-taker in this year’s Big Bash, where he was coached at tournament winners, Adelaide Strikers by incoming Sussex Head Coach, Jason Gillespie.
Gillespie is looking forward to working with Khan again: “We are delighted that Rash has agreed to join us at Sussex.
“His form for Afghanistan and the T20 teams he has played for over the last couple of years has been phenomenal. I have worked closely with Rash at the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL and have been incredibly impressed with his attitude, work ethic and team-first mentality.
“We look forward to welcoming him to the Sharks where I’m sure he will quickly become a fan favourite.”
Sussex’s Director of Cricket, Keith Greenfield expressed his delight at Khan’s signing: “Rashid is the most sought-after spin talent in the world currently. "
Image: Sussex CCC twitter page
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