Pybus Flags Rashid’s Test Availability and Urges ICC to Schedule Regular Series
On the eve of a one‑off Test in India he warned chronic back problems threaten players’ red‑ball futures because packed calendars limit recovery and adaptation.
Overview
- Richard Pybus said on the eve of the Afghanistan v India one‑off Test that Rashid Khan has a long‑standing back complaint and that his immediate availability for Test cricket is uncertain.
- Pybus made managing Rashid’s workload a clear priority and said he wants to discuss longer‑term support to help Rashid play more often and stay healthy for Afghanistan.
- The new head coach formally called on the ICC and senior full members to move away from sporadic single Tests and agree regular three‑ or five‑Test series so players can learn and adapt.
- Pybus praised the BCCI for giving Afghanistan plenty of match opportunities on this tour while warning that one‑off fixtures and long gaps between Tests undermine red‑ball development.
- Afghanistan has had limited Test chances since gaining status in 2018, and Pybus said that balancing heavy franchise commitments with a steady Test calendar is now central to selection and player welfare decisions.