MI Emirates have confirmed that Afghanistan legspinner Rashid Khan will replace injured England allrounder Jordan Thompson in their ILT20 2025-26 squad. Thompson has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to injury.
Rashid, 27, is no stranger to the MI franchise family. He captained MI Cape Town to their maiden SA20 title earlier this year and has also represented MI New York in Major League Cricket. Rashid featured in two games for MI Emirates in 2023, claiming four wickets, and is set to bring his experience and spin magic to Dubai.
It has been confirmed that Rashid will not be available for the full ILT20 season, likely leaving the squad around December 20 to join SA20 2025-26, where MI Cape Town open against Durban’s Super Giants on December 26.
MI Emirates, ILT20 2024 champions, begin their campaign against Gulf Giants in Dubai on December 4. Led by Kieron Pollard, the side has consistently reached the playoffs in each of the last three seasons.
Rashid’s arrival is expected to strengthen MI Emirates’ spin attack as the defending champions look to start their title defense on a high note.
