BBL rocked as second star withdraws from season

The Big Bash League has suffered two big losses in a week after Rashid Khan's decision to withdraw from the season for the Adelaide Strikers.

Khan was the No.1 pick in the BBL draft, selected as a retention pick.

The leg-spinner's withdrawal comes after England's Ashes hero Harry Brook pulled out last week due to workload concerns.

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Brook was set to join the Melbourne Stars as No.2 pick. 

Khan's decision is due to a back injury which requires a minor operation with Strikers general manager, Tim Nielsen, stating it was a big loss. 

"Rashid is a beloved member of the Strikers and a fan favourite who has been with us for seven years, so he will be extremely missed this summer," Nielsen said.

"Rashid loves Adelaide and the Strikers, and we know how much he loves playing in the BBL, and we support him as he has treatment for this injury to ensure his long-term involvement in the game.

"Our list management and coaching staff will now look at our options for replacing Rashid for the upcoming season and a replacement player will be announced in due course."

Before the draft, Khan had previously threatened to quit the BBL, stating he was "strongly considering" his future after Cricket Australia withdrew from a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates.

https://twitter.com/rashidkhan_19/status/1613517048184975362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

"I take great pride in representing my country and we have made great progress on the world stage. This decision from CA sets us back in that journey," Rashid posted on X in January.

"If playing vs Afghanistan is so uncomfortable for Australia then I wouldn't want to make anyone uncomfortable with my presence in the BBL."

Khan then backflipped on the decision and nominated for the draft. 

The Adelaide Strikers will maintain retention rights for Rashid for upcoming BBL seasons.

Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Stars will play the first match of the men's BBL on December 7.