PSL 2018: Jofra Archer ruled out of the tournament due to side strain

The latest sensation of T20 cricket, Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the ongoing third edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after incurring a side strain. The 22-year old, who was drafted into the Quetta Gladiators for the ongoing season, made an impressive start to his campaign. The Barbadian returned with figures of 2 for 30 and 3 for 3 for 23 in his first two games, before being rested by the two-time PSL finalist for the next couple of matches.

In his stead, Australian bowling all-rounder Ben Laughlin has been named as a substitute. Laughlin, who was called in as a cover for Archer, will replace him in the side. The Aussie arrived in Dubai on March 1.

On the other hand, there has been no specification of a stipulated timeline for Archer’s recovery. And his availability for the upcoming season of IPL, where he was picked up by Rajasthan Royals for INR 7.20 crore also remains in the shadow.

The tug-of-war between West Indies and England

Jofra Archer, who represented West Indies in U19 cricket has also plied his trade in English county and the renowned Australian Big Bash League as well. Following his heroics in the recently concluded BBL|07, the Sussex cricketer also bagged a lucrative deal with IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the upcoming edition.

However, Archer remains ineligible for England until the winter of 2022, when he would have completed a seven-year residency period. With such a long wait ahead, there has been speculation Archer might be tempted to forfeit his ambitions, abandoning residency stipulations to travel the world in pursuit of T20 deals.

England can only pray that the promising youngster doesn’t change his mind until 2022 when he becomes eligible to play for them. In the interim, West Indies will be keen to lure him in before the qualifiers for the 2019 World Cup.

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