Rashid Khan Replaces Injured Jordan Thompson in MI Emirates Squad for ILT20 2025-26

Afghanistan’s star legspinner Rashid Khan has been drafted into the MI Emirates squad for the ongoing ILT20 2025-26, replacing England allrounder Jordan Thompson, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to injury.

Rashid, 27, is a familiar face within the Mumbai Indians franchise ecosystem. Earlier this year, he captained MI Cape Town to their maiden SA20 title, defeating Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the final. He has also featured for MI New York in Major League Cricket across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, although he opted out of the latest edition. Rashid previously represented MI Emirates in 2023, picking up four wickets in two appearances.

However, Rashid will not be available for the full ILT20 season, which concludes on January 4, 2026. He is expected to stay with MI Emirates until around December 20 before heading to South Africa to lead MI Cape Town in SA20 2025-26. His SA20 campaign begins on December 26 with the season opener against Durban’s Super Giants.

MI Emirates, champions of ILT20 2024, open their title defence against Gulf Giants in Dubai on December 4. Under the leadership of Kieron Pollard this season, the team aims to maintain its impressive record, having reached the playoffs in each of the past three editions.

The ILT20 2025-26 season began on December 2, with Desert Vipers defeating defending champions Dubai Capitals in the opening match.