PSL 2024: Franchises struggling with foreign players’ availability

The ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to begin on February 17. As Pakistan’s premier franchised tournament looms right around the corner, various franchises are facing issues regarding the availability of foreign players.

Karachi Kings have several of their overseas players unavailable due to other commitments, with Jamie Overton confirmed to miss the entire tournament as he will be preparing to represent Surrey in the County Championship, starting on April 5. Tabraiz Shamsi, meanwhile, will leave the tournament on March 6 due to other domestic T20 commitments, missing the second half of the tournament after playing the first six games for the Kings. 

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Lahore Qalandars’ Rassie van der Dussen will also be missing the latter part of the tournament as Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) policy requires him to return home on March 6. Furthermore, star England pacer Reece Topley will miss out as the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) withdrew his NOC (No Objection Certificate) after he sustained a minor injury during the recently concluded SA20 2024. Topley was set to represent Multan Sultans in the tournament. 

Lahore Qalandars aim to go all the way once more

The season opener of the marquee tournament will see defending champions Lahore Qalandars take on Islamabad United at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, February 17. Winning the tournament in dominant fashion in 2023, Qalandars went all the way in the eighth edition of the PSL after they defeated Multan Sultans in the summit clash. The side finished in first place in the standings in 2023, losing just three of the 10 games that they played in the group stages.

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