Afghanistan’s superstar legspinner Rashid Khan has officially rejoined MI Emirates for the ongoing ILT20 2025-26 season, stepping in as an injury replacement for England allrounder Jordan Thompson, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to a season-ending injury. Thompson’s absence left a significant gap in the squad, and MI Emirates wasted no time bringing in one of T20 cricket’s most impactful bowlers.
Rashid, now 27, is deeply familiar with the MI franchise ecosystem. His journey with the MI family spans multiple leagues and continents. Earlier this year, he led MI Cape Town to their maiden SA20 title, defeating Sunrisers Eastern Cape in a memorable final. His leadership, experience, and wicket-taking ability have made him one of the most valuable assets in franchise cricket worldwide.
Rashid has also previously represented MI New York in Major League Cricket (MLC) during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, though he opted out of the 2025 edition to manage his workload. For MI Emirates, this is not his first stint either. He featured for them in the 2023 ILT20 season, making an immediate impact by taking four wickets across just two games. His return brings depth, control, and world-class quality to an already strong squad.
However, fans hoping to see Rashid throughout the entire ILT20 season will be slightly disappointed. It has been confirmed that he will not be available for the full duration of the tournament, which runs until January 4, 2026. Rashid’s stay is expected to last until around December 20, after which he will travel to South Africa to join MI Cape Town ahead of the SA20 2025-26 season. MI Cape Town are set to open their campaign on December 26 against Durban’s Super Giants, necessitating Rashid’s early departure from ILT20.
For MI Emirates, the timing of Rashid’s arrival is crucial. The team—crowned ILT20 champions in 2024—will begin their 2025-26 campaign on December 4 against Gulf Giants in Dubai. Under the leadership of Kieron Pollard, MI Emirates have consistently performed in the league, reaching the playoffs in all three previous seasons. Rashid’s presence, even for a limited period, is expected to boost their early-season momentum and strengthen their bowling attack in key matchups.
The ILT20 season itself kicked off on December 2, with Desert Vipers securing a strong win over last year’s champions Dubai Capitals. With teams already battling for early points, the arrival of a global T20 icon like Rashid Khan adds an exciting dimension to the competition.
Given his exceptional track record, leadership qualities, and unmatched T20 experience, Rashid’s inclusion is seen as a major strategic advantage for MI Emirates. While his stay may be short, his influence—on and off the field—is likely to leave a lasting impact on the team’s campaign.
