PSL 2019: Sunil Narine joins Quetta Gladiators as the event's biggest trade

The fourth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is scheduled to start on Thursday, February 22 with the contest between Peshawar Zalmi and Multan Sultans. Islamabad United are the defending champions as they beat the Zalmi by three wickets in the final in Karachi. In the meantime, Windies spinner Sunil Narine is set to play for Quetta Gladiators in the upcoming season.

The 30-year-old last played for Lahore Qalandars in the previous edition and the franchise has decided to trade him with the Gladiators in the tournament’s biggest trade. He scored 98 runs and finished with 10 wickets in the nine played he plied his trade in. On the other hand, the Qalandars will get the first platinum pick in place of the Gladiators as per reports in Daily Express.

Quite a few changes in teams

Umar Akmal, the wicketkeeper-batsman, played the Qalandars last season and was horrendous, to say the least. He is now set to represent the Gladiators, who also gave right-arm fast bowler Rahat Ali to the Qalandars. The 28-year-old Akmal played five matches in the last season and he could score only 57 runs at a rather shambolic average of 11.40 with a top score of 28.

Ali’s trade was a bit surprising for the reason that he was one of their gun bowlers last season. The pacer was their leading wicket-taker with 15 wickets from 11 matches at a frugal economy rate of 7.60. Fast bowler Hassan Khan represented the Quetta Gladiators in the erstwhile edition and he ended with six wickets in 11 matches. The speedster will now join the Lahore Qalandars.

On the contrary, the Qalandars will give their second silver pick to the Gladiators. The United are the most successful team in the championship, having won the same as many as twice. Peshawar Zalmi won the event in 2017 defeating the Gladiators in the final. While a chunk of the event takes place in the United Arab Emirates, the authorities are trying to bring the game back to Pakistan.

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