Rashid Khan to play in PSL final? Spinner clears the air

After defeating Islamabad United by six runs in Eliminator 2 of 2022 Pakistan Super League, Lahore Qalandars have advanced to the final of the tournament. They will take on Multan Sultans on February 27 in the summit clash. Qalandars are without their frontline spinner, Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan as he is with the national team to play against Bangladesh. However, there might be a possibility for the star leg-spinner to be available for the all-important final. 

The prominent leg-spinner left Qalandars camp after taking 13 wickets in nine matches he played for the franchise. Australian leg-spinner Fawad Khan took Rashid’s place for the remainder of the tournament. However, he only played the game against Peshawar Zalmi. English all-rounder Samit Patel has filled the void of foreign player for Qalandars in the last two matches, however, he has failed to leave an impact. 

As per a report in Cricket Pakistan, the 23-year-old leg-spinner would be available for Qalandars in the final game of 2022 PSL. However, Qalandars management has not confirmed the development yet.

It is to be noted that a negative PCR test report will be required for Rashid to make his appearance in the final. According to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), 2022 PSL Health and Safety Protocols have been modified along with prevalent NOC regulations. As per new regulations, the isolation period for asymptomatic cases has been reduced from seven to five days. A negative Rapid Antigen Test will be required to exit the isolation. 

In a similar case, Islamabad United also included Ireland’s Paul Stirling in the Eliminator against Qalandars after he returned negative in his PCR report upon his arrival to the country from Oman.

Meanwhile, Qalandars fans were delighted with the news. However, their happiness was short lived as Rashid confirmed that he won’t be playing in the final.