Afghanistan could have to wait longer to see Rashid Khan return to Test cricket, with captain Rahmat Shah revealing that the star leg-spinner is still managing the workload on his back. The team medical staff and physiotherapists have advised against his participation in the longest format until he is fully fit.

However, Rahmat has not ruled out Rashid's return. The Afghanistan skipper confirmed that the veteran spinner will be part of the Test squad once he receives medical clearance, while stressing that the team cannot afford to risk his availability in white-ball cricket.

Rashid Khan's journey in Test cricket

Rashid Khan made his Test debut against India in Bengaluru on June 14, 2018, in Afghanistan's first-ever match in the format. He picked up two wickets in the game, which India won by an innings and 262 runs.

The leg-spinner went on to produce a much stronger performance against Ireland in Dehradun in March 2019, taking seven wickets in the match, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings.

His best match performance came against Bangladesh in Chattogram in September 2019. Rashid claimed 11 wickets, including a six-wicket haul in the first innings, as Afghanistan registered a historic 224-run victory. He followed it with three wickets against West Indies in Lucknow later that year.

Rashid then took 11 wickets against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi in March 2021. After that, he had a long wait before returning to Test cricket, with his most recent appearance coming against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in January 2025. He again picked up 11 wickets in the match, although Afghanistan suffered a defeat.

Overall, Rashid has played six Tests and taken 45 wickets at an average of 20.44. His best innings figures are 7/66, while his best match figures stand at 11/104. He has registered five five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket match hauls in his Test career.

Rashid Khan set for Test return? Latest update emerges on Afghanistan star

Rashid Khan's absence from Test cricket has largely been linked to concerns over his back injury and the demands of the format. The spinner remains a key member of Afghanistan's limited-overs teams, and the management is unwilling to risk his long-term fitness by bringing him back before he is ready.

Rahmat addressed the situation ahead of Afghanistan's two-Test series against Zimbabwe, explaining that the medical team's advice would guide the decision.

“Talking about Rashid, it has been recommended by the team medical staff and physio trainers that he should not be playing Test games at the moment because he is still not ready,” Rahmat said.

“We cannot risk losing Rashid for white-ball cricket: he is such an important player. I am praying he gets better soon, and he loves Test cricket. However, if his body is not allowing it and based on the reports from the doctors and medical team we wouldn't take a risk,” he added.

The Afghanistan captain also explained why the workload in Test cricket could be difficult for Rashid Khan while he continues to manage his back.

“He's our main spinner and if he gets in the team, definitely when there's a long partnership, I will ask him to come and bowl regularly a lot. It will be load on him (in Tests) because in short formats, in T20, it's only three-hour game and a bowler will ball only four overs. But in Tests, there is a lot of workload and as per Rashid physio, he has to manage his workload due to his back injury in the past,” he said.

Rahmat also made it clear that Rashid' Khan's place in the Test setup remains open once he is fully fit.

“I’ve had personal discussions with him and the ACB and as soon as he gets ready and 100 per cent fit, he will obviously be part of the Test squad,” he said.

With more games we will get better - Rahmat Shah

Rahmat also spoke about Afghanistan's limited opportunities in Test cricket. The skipper believes regular participation in the ICC World Test Championship would give his side more chances to compete against leading teams and gain valuable experience.

“If we get more games and become part of the Test Championship it will give us the opportunity to play against top teams around the world and gain more experience,” he said.

“With more games we will get better. We are not getting enough Tests mainly due to not being part of the ICC Test Championship matches and that is the main factor,” he added.

Afghanistan will take confidence from their recent drawn Test against Bangladesh. Chasing a target of 479, they fought hard to secure a draw, a result Rahmat had described as equal to a win.

“If you look at our last game against Bangladesh, that gives us more confidence. The momentum we were carrying from there gives us a lot to work on and focus on things we can do even better. So, taking that with us, we will try to do our best and end up winning this game as well,” Rahmat said.

The first Test against Zimbabwe is scheduled to begin in Sharjah on November 5, with the second match set to take place at the same venue from November 13.