Rashid Khan’s Test Return Put on Hold as Rahmat Shah Reveals Back Concern

Afghanistan’s Test side will have to wait a little longer for Rashid Khan. Captain Rahmat Shah has revealed that the star leg-spinner is still managing a back issue, and medical staff have advised against red-ball action for now. The door remains open, but protecting Rashid is the priority.

Medical Staff Say No, For Now

Speaking ahead of the two-Test series against Zimbabwe, Rahmat made it clear that the decision rests with the doctors and physios. Rashid is simply not ready for the demands of the longest format.

“Talking about Rashid, it has been recommended by the team medical staff and physio trainers that he should not be playing Test games at the moment because he is still not ready,” Rahmat said.

The captain also stressed how valuable Rashid is to Afghanistan’s limited-overs plans. The team management does not want to gamble with his long-term fitness by rushing him back into whites.

“We cannot risk losing Rashid for white-ball cricket: he is such an important player,” Rahmat added. “I am praying he gets better soon, and he loves Test cricket.”

The Door Is Still Open

Importantly, this is not a permanent exclusion. Rahmat confirmed he has held personal discussions with Rashid and the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB).

“As soon as he gets ready and 100 per cent fit, he will obviously be part of the Test squad,” he said.

Why Tests Are So Demanding on Rashid’s Back

The workload gap between formats is the heart of the issue. In T20s, a bowler delivers a maximum of four overs in a roughly three-hour game. Tests are a different beast entirely.

Rahmat explained that as Afghanistan’s main spinner, Rashid would be asked to bowl long spells, especially when opposition batters build big partnerships.

“It will be load on him (in Tests) because in short formats, in T20, it’s only three-hour game and a bowler will bowl only four overs,” Rahmat said. “But in Tests, there is a lot of workload and as per Rashid’s physio, he has to manage his workload due to his back injury in the past.”

A Calculated Risk Avoided

Afghanistan clearly see the bigger picture. Rashid is a franchise and international white-ball superstar, and a setback could affect far more than a couple of Tests.

Rashid Khan’s Test Career at a Glance

Rashid has played only six Tests, but his numbers are outstanding. He debuted against India in Bengaluru on June 14, 2018, in Afghanistan’s first-ever Test, and has produced several match-winning spells since.

Standout Moments

His best match came against Bangladesh in Chattogram in September 2019, where he took 11 wickets, including six in the first innings, as Afghanistan won by 224 runs. He also claimed 11 wickets against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi in March 2021.

His most recent Test was against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in January 2025. He again picked up 11 wickets, though Afghanistan lost the match.

Afghanistan Want More Tests and Eye Zimbabwe

Rahmat also pointed to a bigger problem: Afghanistan simply do not play enough Test cricket. He believes being part of the ICC World Test Championship would be a game-changer.

“If we get more games and become part of the Test Championship it will give us the opportunity to play against top teams around the world and gain more experience,” he said. “With more games we will get better.”

Confidence From the Bangladesh Draw

Afghanistan arrive with belief after a gritty draw against Bangladesh, where they battled while chasing 479. Rahmat described that result as equal to a win.

“The momentum we were carrying from there gives us a lot to work on and focus on things we can do even better,” he said.

The first Test against Zimbabwe begins in Sharjah on November 5, with the second Test at the same venue from November 13. Afghanistan will have to chase victory without their biggest spin weapon, but the wait for Rashid’s red-ball return looks like a matter of when, not if.