Adelaide Strikers player Rashid Khan will play tonight's Big Bash cricket match to honour his late father.
The 20-year-old star bowler, who also plays for Afghanistan's national team, announced on Instagram and Twitter that he had lost "the most important person" in his life.
"Now I know why u (sic) always asked me to be strong, bcz u (sic) knew that today I would need the strength to bear your loss," Khan tweeted.
He was in doubt for tonight's blockbuster New Year's Eve match against the Sydney Thunder at Adelaide Oval.
The Strikers announced his intention to play this afternoon.
"The Adelaide Strikers advise that Rashid Khan wants to play in tonight's match against the Sydney Thunder at Adelaide Oval in honour of his late father," the statement read.
"Rashid's father passed away last night and Rashid has decided that he will stay in Adelaide and play tonight."
The Strikers gave their condolences to Khan.
Head coach Jason Gillespie posted on Twitter: "Here for you Rashy. Our deepest condolences to you and your family".
There was also an outpouring of support for Khan from local and international cricket players and fans on social media on Sunday.
Tonight's match is the fourth in the 2018 season fixture for the Strikers.
In February, the team won its first Big Bash League title when it beat the Hobart Hurricanes at Adelaide Oval.
