Sussex T20 coach James Kirtley says it is “amazing” to get Rashid Khan back on board for next season.

The Afghanistan star will return to Hove for the Vitality Blast.

He missed the 2020 campaign as the cricketing calendar was redrawn due to Covid-19.

Next year will be his third season with Sussex Sharks.

Kirtley, recently appointed coach of the county’s T20 side, sees him as a key player.

He said: “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.”

Rashid remains the world’s leading T20 bowler and has taken 24 wickets in 20 appearances for Sharks at an economy rate just under seven runs per over.

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As important as the numbers, he has come on at key times to take pivotal wickets and change the momentum of opponents’ innings.

He also retains a huge box office appeal.

Rashid said: “I look forward to seeing everyone in 2021 and really hope we will be back playing in front of our loyal supporters soon.”