World cricket superstar Rashid Khan coming back to Sussex

The world’s number one T20 bowler has already enjoyed two fantastic summers in Hove after joining the Sharks in 2018. The leg-spinner was set to play for Sharks T20 skipper Luke Wright’s side again this year, but it was mutually agreed he would miss the 2020 Vitality Blast due to his overlapping commitments in the Caribbean Premier League and Indian Premier League. Many feared he may not come back next year - especially with Jason Gillespie having quit Sussex to take up a coaching job in Australia. “I am really happy to be heading back to Sussex for the 2021 Blast,” said Khan. “Ever since my arrival on the South Coast in 2018, it has felt like a home away from home for me. I look forward to seeing everyone in 2021 and really hope we will be back playing in front of our loyal supporters soon.” Khan has become a fan’s favourite at The 1st Central County Ground since making his debut for the club against Essex Eagles in 2018. Since then, the Afghanistan superstar has taken 24 wickets in 20 appearances for the Sharks, at an economy rate of 6.97 runs per over. Khan recently passed the impressive milestone of 300 T20 wickets at the age of just 22 and showed his world-class ability in this year’s IPL taking 20 wickets in 16 appearances for Sunrisers Hyderabad at a staggering economy rate of just 5.37 runs per over. Sussex's new T20 head coach James Kirtley was delighted with the news: “To secure the services of Rashid next season is amazing. He would be on any team's wish list around the world, so for Sussex to have him playing next year is awesome. We endeavour to keep the worldwide profile high of our T20 team and Rash is one of the best performing and well-known players in the game. “Add to that the fact that he is a hugely popular and respected figure in our dressing room and with everyone around the club and this is a big boost for us ahead of next year’s Blast. “I look forward to working with Rash and gaining as much knowledge from all his experiences from around the world. He has worked with some hugely successful and experienced coaches so I hope he will help us as much off the pitch as on the pitch to helps us play in a slightly smarter way.” Sussex performance director Keith Greenfield added: “Everyone at the club is so excited to have Rashid back next summer wearing a Sharks shirt again. “Having his skill level back into our side and at Luke’s disposal will give us a great chance of winning matches and ultimately the competition.”