PSL suffers another severe blow after more overseas players pull out ahead of playoffs

The Pakistan Super League is having some hard time to see its final phase as setbacks are hindering it at every step. The efforts of the Pakistan Cricket Board to mark the conclusion of the league successfully is in yet another difficulty. In the latest turn of developments pertaining to PSL, some more overseas players are unavailable for the playoffs matches owing to COVID-19 travel norms. PCB is set to get done with the playoffs and summit clash this weekend.

The four remaining matches of playoffs and the final clash will take place by this weekend and next week in Karachi. Ever since the inception of PSL in 2016, it has happened for the first time that one of the leading faces is unavailable to ply trade for his franchise. Caribbean star Daren Sammy is not available this time due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions. The skipper who had led Zalmi will not be able to fly Karachi this time.

Kiwi player Mitchell McClenaghan has also decided to pull out of the PSL in wake of New Zealand’s travel norms. He was part of the Karachi Kings and will not be able to make his presence in the team for the matches going to be held on November 14, 15, and 17 in Karachi. A close source to Cricket Pakistan has opened on the issue and stated that franchises are facing challenges in finding suitable replacements on such short notice.

Players tested COVID-19 positive ahead of PSL playoffs

The PSL franchises have already been battling the huge blows they received when several big names pulled out of the league. Leading English players marked their unavailability due to their involvement in the White Ball series against South Africa. On the other hand, England’s James Vince and Bangladesh’s Mahmudullah pulled out of the tournament after testing COVID-19 positive.

In the same line, PCB also stated that one more person has also tested positive for the virus, and he has been shifted to an isolation room of the hotel. The rest of the team members have been separated, and they all had tested negative. It will be a thing to watch how PSL will unfold its final leg owing to all these setbacks.