Rashid Khan leaves Adelaide Strikers to captain MI Cape Town

After a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Hobart Hurricanes in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL), premier Adelaide Strikers spinner Rashid Khan left the tournament midway to join MI Cape Town for the inaugural season of the SA20 league.

The Afghan star will be seen leading the new franchise in the first season as the Cape Town-based team will be taking on Paarl Royals in the very first match of the season on Tuesday, January 10.

The 24-year-old has been an integral part of Adelaide franchise for the last six seasons and even promised the fans that his love affair will continue in the next season as he doesn't see himself in any other franchise. The cricketer also expressed his love for the city and was spotted signing autographs till late in the night.

“I will definitely be back on this team next season; I don’t see myself with any other team. As long as I am coming to the Big Bash, the Strikers will be my first pick. If it’s not with the Strikers I don’t think I will be able to come and play … that is something that is very clear. I just love this city, I love this franchise, and I love these fans,” Rashid told the NCA NewsWire.

♥️♥️ https://t.co/F1mvXmw3hu

— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) January 1, 2023

I felt like, yes, this is my home: Rashid 

Even though Rashid is not contracted to join Strikers next season, the franchise may retain him in the draft as they did before the ongoing season. The Afghan spinner mentioned that he is ready to return and cited an example from the T20 World Cup to show that he’s always loved in the city.

“Even in the World Cup playing against Australia here the cheers were there for me, and I felt like, yes, this is my home. I am so blessed and happy to be loved here… it makes me not want to go anywhere else,” Rashid added.

Meanwhile, Test cricketers Alex Carey and Travis Head are cleared to join the Strikers' squad on Monday, January 9.