Yasir Shah to replace Shadab Khan in SRK's Trinbago Knight Riders

The Trinbago Knight Riders lost the first qualifier to the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and with that the chance to directly pass through to the finals. But that is not the only blow to the team as their key bowler, leg-spinner Shadab Khan will no longer be a part of the team as he has to fly back home for a fitness test ahead of the Independence Cup to be played in Pakistan.

The Knight Riders have thus named another Pakistani leg-spinner Yasir Shah as his replacement for the remainder of the tournament. Shadab who had taken 10 wickets in 6 matches had been called back by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to fulfil his domestic and national commitments. He was quite instrumental in the team with both the bat as well as the ball.

National duties

As the PCB decided to reverse its decision to revoke No-Objection Certificates eventually, Shadab returned back to play the Qualifier 1. Now the leggie along with Shoaib Malik have departed for Pakistan where the preparations get underway to host the World XI team for 3 T20Is.

The team owned by Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, went on to top the points table with 16 points after completing 10 games. They lost the Qualifier 1 but since they topped the table, they get one more shot at the finals, against the winner of the Eliminator between Jamaica Tallawahs and Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Yasir’s inclusion will be a boost to their bowling ranks which already boasts of Sunil Narine. The 31-year-old displayed tremendous form for his Kent. He’s also signed up with the Johannesburg Giants for the T20 Global League.

Briefly ranked as the No.2 ICC Test bowler last year, it would be interesting to see what skills Yasir brings to the party in the Caribbean Premier League.