• sportzyverse
• Cricket news, PSL 2024
• 02/13/2024
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Several renowned international cricketers have withdrawn from participation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) due to scheduling conflicts with other franchise-based tournaments, leading to apprehension within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the league’s competitiveness and appeal.

Clash of Dates and Denial of Permissions

The PSL, set to commence in Lahore on February 17, faces a setback as top-tier players opt for alternative leagues such as the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), ILT20, and SA20 due to overlapping schedules and restrictions imposed by various cricket boards.

Multan Sultans, one of the PSL franchises, has been significantly affected by player withdrawals. England’s Reece Topley, who was initially signed by the team, recently withdrew due to injury, compounded by the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) refusal to grant him a no-objection certificate (NOC) for PSL participation. Additionally, Pakistan’s Ehsanullah remains unavailable due to ongoing recovery from elbow surgery.

Other franchises like Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators have also suffered notable losses. South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi and Sri Lanka’s Wanandu Hasaranga will be absent from Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators, respectively.

Notable Players Skipping PSL

A slew of prominent cricketers from various countries, including West Indies, South Africa, England, and Afghanistan, have opted out of the entire PSL season. This list includes Shai Hope, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Tabraiz Shamshi, Rassie van Der Dussen, James Vince, Noor Ahmed, and Naveen ul Haq, among others.

Expressing concerns over the situation, a PSL franchise owner has urged the PCB to reconsider the tournament’s timing, citing difficulties in attracting top-tier players amidst the concurrent leagues. He highlighted the congested cricket calendar in January and February, with ongoing international series involving Sri Lanka, South Africa, and West Indies.

“The SA20 ended recently and the ILT20 concludes on the day the PSL begins, so it is getting difficult to sign big players now,” the franchise owner remarked anonymously.