Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai to Miss MLC 2025

Afghanistan all-rounders Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai are set to miss the 2025 edition of Major League Cricket (MLC), delivering a significant blow to MI New York’s campaign. According to ESPNcricinfo, both players have opted out of the tournament to take a break from the sport.

Rashid, who was MI New York’s top performer in the previous MLC season with 10 wickets at a remarkable economy of 6.15, last appeared in the IPL 2025 for Gujarat Titans. However, he endured a disappointing season, securing just nine wickets at an economy of 9.34—the worst of his IPL career. Notably, he conceded 33 sixes, the most by any bowler in a single IPL edition since his debut in 2017.

Omarzai, who was with Punjab Kings during the IPL and helped them finish as runners-up, is also unavailable, having chosen to take a break like his compatriot. Their absence leaves MI New York’s lineup notably weakened ahead of the tournament’s kickoff this Friday.

Despite these setbacks, MLC received a boost as several other Afghan players joined their teams successfully. Naveen-ul-Haq (MI New York), Noor Ahmed (Texas Super Kings), and Waqar Salamkheil (Seattle Orcas) are confirmed to participate after concerns emerged due to a newly imposed U.S. travel ban affecting citizens from 12 countries, including Afghanistan.

However, the participation of Gulbadin Naib and Fazalhaq Farooqi, both aligned with Seattle Orcas, remains uncertain as they await U.S. visas amid the tightening immigration restrictions.