For the current ILT20 2025–2026 season, England all-rounder Jordan Thompson has been replaced in the MI Emirates side by Afghanistan legspinner Rashid Khan. Since Thompson’s injury has forced him to miss the event, the team has decided to replace him with one of T20 cricket’s most prolific bowlers.
Rashid Khan has been a vital member of MI’s international network of teams, so he is no stranger to the organisation. He led MI Cape Town to their first SA20 championship earlier this year, when they defeated Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the championship match.
Although he chose not to participate in the 2025 season, Rashid also played for MI New York in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in 2023 and 2024. He previously played in two games for MI Emirates in 2023, taking four wickets while displaying his signature cunning and control.
Rashid Khan won’t be available, though, for the full ILT20 season, which ends on January 4, 2026.
Before heading to South Africa to join MI Cape Town for the SA20 2025–26 season, when they begin their campaign against Durban’s Super Giants on December 26, he is anticipated to remain with the team until about December 20.
On December 4, MI Emirates, the ILT20 2024 winners, will start their championship defence in Dubai against the Gulf Giants. MI Emirates won their first trophy in the league’s existence in 2024 after defeating the Dubai Capitals by 45 runs in the championship match. The squad has continuously performed well under Kieron Pollard’s direction, making it to the playoffs in each of the last three seasons. They will be looking to improve on their fourth-place performance from the previous season.
With an incredible 681 wickets in 499 games, Rashid Khan continues to be the top wicket-taker in T20 cricket, demonstrating the importance he adds to whatever team he plays for. On December 2, Desert Vipers defeated the reigning champions Dubai Capitals to start the ILT20 2025–26 season. On December 3, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders defeated Sharjah Warriorz to start their campaign.
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