Kevin Pietersen unsure of traveling to Pakistan for PSL playoffs

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is all set to return with its third edition this month as the cricket frenzy nation gears up for the mega-event. After a successful PSL 2 final last year in Lahore, this time around the knockout stage will also be played in the war-hit nation. The development comes as a welcoming change in the country’s effort to revive international cricket.

For the upcoming edition of PSL, the playoffs are scheduled to be held in Lahore, while the final will take place at National Stadium Karachi, which means the six franchises have an added responsibility of convincing its players to make the trip to Pakistan from UAE.

A day after Karachi Kings owner Salman Iqbal claimed he expects all of the foreign cricketers in his side to come to Pakistan, his Gladiators counterpart also delivered a similarly positive news but with one exception.

Nadeem Omar, owner of the Quetta Gladiators on Thursday stated that almost all the foreign players on his team’s roster have agreed to come to Pakistan in case the team makes it to the playoffs of the coveted tournament, with the sole exception of England’s Kevin Pietersen.

Gladiators already has a replacement for Pietersen in place

However, the franchise has not lacked behind in finding a replacement. In case the English veteran refuses to change his stance on the matter, Omar revealed his side already has a contingency plan in place.

According to Dawn.com, Omar said, “All the players, including Shane Watson, have agreed to travel to Pakistan. Kevin Pietersen is the only exception. He may not come but we are trying to convince him also.”

“We have Jason Roy as a replacement for Pietersen,” he added.

This isn’t the first time, the switch-hit maker has been through the dilemma. He was similarly conflicted ahead of the PSL 2017 final when he took his time and eventually decided against making the trip. In his absence, the Gladiators had ended up losing a one-sided final to Peshawar Zalmi.