Shahid Afridi and Naseem Shah has been ruled out of the remainder of the Pakistan Super League(PSL).
Shahid Afridi, Naseem Shah Ruled out of PSL
Multan Sultans allrounder Shahid Afridi will not get part in the remainder of the PSL after being sidelined with a lower-back injury. While Quetta Gladiators fast-bowler Naseem Shah miss the remainder of the league after he was released following a breach of Covid-19 protocols.
Shah arrived at the tournament hotel in Lahore with a negative Covid-19 test, but from a non-compliant PCR test. As a result, he will not travel to Abu Dhabi with the rest of the Quetta Gladiators contingent, ruling him out of the competition.
Babar Hamid, the director and commercial head of PSL 6, said the decision had been taken with a heavy heart but emphasized that the league would make no compromises on health and safety this time around.
“The PCB doesn’t take any pride in releasing a young fast bowler from its marquee event but if we will ignore this breach, then we will potentially put at risk the entire event,” he said.
While training for the remainder of @thePSLt20, I felt lower back pain & had to consult a doctor. Unfortunately I have been advised to rest and can no longer accompany my team @MultanSultans. I am heartbroken 💔 as I was practicing and training really hard. pic.twitter.com/OjaHD1w9cg
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) May 24, 2021
“We appreciate Quetta Gladiators for accepting this decision as it confirms we are all aligned to strictly following and implementing the protocols.
“This decision will also send out a loud and clear message to all involved in the remaining matches that the PCB will not compromise on any violations and will expel the player or player support personnel irrespective of his stature and standing in the game if they are found to be flouting the prescribed protocols or regulations.”
Both the Sultans and the Gladiators have plenty of ground to make up when the league resumes, having struggled to race out of the blocks when the league initially launched in February. They have each won just one of the five matches they played, and currently both sit outside the top four.
Islamabad United have also included batsman Umar Amin and West Indian opener Brandon King, while Afghanistan’s Hazratullah Zazai pairs up with Peshawar Zalmi. The league is set to resume on June 5, with the final due to take place on June 20.
Also read: Check out the PSL 2021 Re-Schedule
