PSL 2019: Sunil Narine to miss early part of the tournament

A couple of days ahead of their season-opener in the Pakistan Super League, Quetta Gladiators have been dealt a major injury blow. Their new recruit Sunil Narine, who was set to lead the spin attack for the side, has been sidelined with a finger injury. Narine had aggravated the injury during the recently-concluded Bangladesh Premier League where he was playing for Dhaka Dynamites. As a result of the injury, Narine will miss the early part of the tournament.

There are also doubts over whether the Windies star would be able to play any part in the competition.  His participation for the rest of the tournament is subject to results of a medical examination. Missing Narine will be a mighty blow for the Gladiators as they will have to re-think their plans again.

The Quetta-based outfit had signed up Narine from Lahore Qalandars in the pre-season trade. With Narine now out, the Gladiators will be hoping that the likes of Fawad Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, and Mohammad Asghar step up. Gladiators have also roped in Somerset leg-spinner Max Waller as Narine’s cover.

Head coach Moin Khan expressed his disappointment over the injury but hoped that the spinner would get fit soon. He is also hopeful of a good show from Narine’s cover. “Obviously, you cannot like for like replacement of a big player like Narine but we have drafted in Waller and we are confident that he will add value to our team,” Moin was quoted as saying in Cricbuzz.

“It’s a blow just before the start of PSL but we will try to cope with it. We have got the depth in our squad as there are plenty other match-winners. We wish Narine a quick recovery and hope to welcome him very soon during HBL PSL,” he added.

Gladiators eye title:

Gladiators are arguably the unluckiest team in the Pakistan Super League. They have been to the final of the tournament twice but failed to win on either occasion. The fourth season, however, could see their fortunes turn around and they would be eyeing to go all the way this time around. Gladiators are set to begin their PSL 2019 campaign on February 15 when they lock horns against last year’s runners-up Peshawar Zalmi.

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