A Pakistan Super League (PSL) the franchise owner would have requested the PCB to change the tournament window. The franchise owner highlighted conflicts with other cricket tournaments, which have led to the withdrawal of international players from the PSL.
The participation of international players in the ninth edition of the PSL has been affected by restrictions imposed by various cricket boards. All six teams face significant challenges, with players opting for other T20 leagues like SA20 and the IPL instead of the PSL.
PSL 2024 will start on February 17 in Lahore
The PSL 2024 will begin with a clash between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 17. The tournament will conclude with the showdown at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on March 18.
The 2024 season will be played in four cities, namely Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi, and will span a total of 34 matches. Karachi will host 11 matches, including the Qualifier, two Qualifiers and the final. Lahore and Rawalpindi will host nine matches each, while Multan will host five matches in the T20 league.
Reece Topley ruled out of PSL 2024 as ECB denies NOC
English left-arm pacer Reece Topley, who was selected by the Multan Sultans franchise, has recently been withdrawn from PSK 2024. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) refused to issue Topley a No Objection Certificate (NOC ) due to injury concerns.
Throughout his career, Topley has faced numerous injury setbacks, including one ahead of the T20 World Cup in 2022. With the T20 World Cup upcoming in the Caribbean and USA, the defending champions will likely consider him for selection if he regains full fitness.
Several international players will miss the tournament
Other cricket boards are reviewing their decisions regarding issuing no-objection certificates for players to participate in the PSL. South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi left Peshawar Zalmi, while Sri Lanka’s Wanandu Hasaranga will not represent Quetta Gladiators.
Notable absentees from the tournament include West Indies cricketers Shai Hope, Matthew Forde and Akeal Hosein; the South Africans Tabraiz Shamsi and Rassie van der Dussen; England batsman James Vince; and Afghan bowlers Noor Ahmed and Naveen ul Haq.
It is increasingly difficult to sign great players: franchise owner
A PSL franchise owner has urged the PCB to re-evaluate the tournament schedule due to difficulties in attracting top players. The owner also highlighted the scheduling of an intense international cricket series in January-February involving Sri Lanka, South Africa and the West Indies.
“The SA20 ended recently and the ILT20 concludes on the day the PSL starts, so it is now becoming difficult to recruit big players.” he said on condition of anonymity.
He stressed the need to adjust the PSL window to maintain its attractiveness and secure top talents abroad.
“There is an urgent need to change the PSL window, or it will lose its charm if we don’t get big foreign names,” he added.
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