PSL 2018: Key Quetta Gladiators pull out of Pakistan leg of the tournament

The Quetta Gladiators have been one of the most consistent sides in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). They qualified for the playoffs of the 2018 edition in grand style. However, with the playoffs scheduled to be played in Pakistan, they have received major blows ahead of it. The star overseas players of the team have decided to pull out of the Pakistan leg of the tournament. The Australian duo of Ben Laughlin and Shane Watson have opted out of the tournament.

They have joined the list of players consisting of Kevin Pietersen and Jason Roy to bow out of the tournament. The loss of Shane Watson will certainly hurt the Quetta Gladiators. Watson is the third leading run getter in the season with 319 runs to his name. Last week, as per the quotes in The Dawn, Watson had hinted at not participating in the Pakistan matches. He had remarked that the decision would take a lot of thinking to do.

“I have to sit down with my family to be able to really work through what the right decision is for them and me. It is just not my decision. It is my mum’s and dad’s and wife’s as well. We will all sit down to discuss the options,” Shane Watson had quoted.

He had further consoled with the Pakistani people though. He had hailed the Pakistani culture and the love that the people have for the sport.

“The best part of Pakistani culture is that they are wonderful people and love their cricket as much as I do. It is great to visit places where people share the same love for the sport. I just cannot imagine how tough it would be, growing up, not being able to watch their idols play cricket in front of them,” Watson had remarked.

Owners unhappy with the move

Meanwhile, the franchise owner has lamented the move taken by Watson. He remarked that Watson had earlier agreed to play in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the overseas players of the Peshawar Zalmi have confirmed their availability for the matches in Pakistan.

“Shane Watson had earlier committed that he will travel to Pakistan [for the later stages of the PSL] but he backed out at the last minute,” lamented Quetta franchise owner Nadeem Omar.

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