PSL 2018: Sarfraz Ahmed dissatisfied over foreign players commitment

The third edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) is currently being staged with the last leg of the tournament being played in Pakistan. However, several players have expressed their hesitancy to tour the war-stricken nation owing to political turmoil and terrorist attacks. The Eliminators are underway in Lahore followed by the Final to be played at the Karachi International Stadium.

Meanwhile, all the teams comprise of several prominent overseas stars who have played vital roles for their respective sides. However, their reluctance to visit Pakistan is understandable and something which doesn’t spring a surprise. However, Sarfraz Ahmed, the skipper of the Quetta Gladiators, has recently vented his frustration on the non-availability of their foreign players.

The disappointment for Sarfraz

Just like the last season, Quetta ran the risk of going into the playoffs with a depleted squad. Kevin Pietersen had previously iterated that he won’t be traveling to Pakistan. Recently, Jason Roy, the English opening batsman and Shane Watson, the former Australian cricketer, have expressed unwillingness to visit Pakistan, something which has irked the Gladiators skipper.

The Pakistan cricketer has called for banning the cricketers, who miss-communicated with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), from entering the PSL draft.” I think the players should give importance to Pakistan when they accept huge contract offers.” Sarfraz remarked in a press conference. He also said that Watson hasn’t betrayed the franchise and won’t be going owing to his wife’s hesitancy.

The first game of the playoffs was played between Islamabad United, led by Jean-Paul Duminy and Karachi Kings, captained by Imad Wasim. The game panned out to be a one-sided affair and Islamabad thumped the Kings by eight wickets to progress into Karachi’s Final. The Kings will now be playing the Peshawar Zalmi, the winner of yesterday’s game against the Quetta Gladiators, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

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