Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has been called up to replace England all-rounder Jordan Thompson in the MI Emirates squad for the ongoing ILT20 2025-26, after Thompson was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to injury.
Rashid, 27, is no stranger to the MI franchise family. He captains MI Cape Town in the SA20 league, leading them to their maiden title earlier this year against Sunrisers Eastern Cape. He has also represented MI New York in Major League Cricket (MLC) in 2023 and 2024, though he opted out this season. Rashid had a brief stint with MI Emirates in 2023, featuring in two matches and claiming four wickets.
It is understood that Rashid will not be available for the entire ILT20 season, which runs until January 4, 2026. He is expected to be with the team only until around December 20 before heading to South Africa for SA20 2025-26, where MI Cape Town face Durban’s Super Giants in the season opener on December 26.
MI Emirates, the 2024 ILT20 champions, will kick off their campaign against Gulf Giants in Dubai on December 4. Under the leadership of Kieron Pollard this season, the franchise has reached the playoffs in each of the last three seasons. The tournament began on December 2, with Desert Vipers defeating last year’s champions Dubai Capitals.
