The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2021 is about to resume in Abu Dhabi with a slight change of squad in every participating franchise.
The league will kick off in the first week of June at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Dubai. The venues were shifted owing to the deteriorating coronavirus situation back in Pakistan.
Here’s a brief preview of all the teams post-replacement draft:
Karachi Kings rope in Guptill
What’s better than two haymakers? Three haymakers. Karachi Kings have signed New Zealand’s Martin Guptill to boost their top-order. With Babar Azam and Sharjeel Khan already in the form of their lives, Guptill will only add to the Kings’ firepower.
The defending PSL champions are leading the points table and likely to maintain their dominance in the Dubai leg as well.
Multan lose Shahid Afridi
Multan Sultans will have to resume the league without their key all-rounder Shahid Afridi. Boom Boom is currently suffering from lower back issues and the doctors have ruled the 44-year-old out of action for the remainder of the season.
This is a major blow for Muhammad Rizwan’s men as Afridi was the pick of their bowlers so far.
Qalandars retain Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan’s return to the Lahore Qalandars squad makes the team a real threat to other franchises. The T20 specialist possesses the ability to bamboozle the best batting line-ups in the world.
United fetch Khawaja
Australia’s Usman Khawaja is on his way to join the Islamabad United. He and Umer Amin have been picked up for the season, making it clear that United are looking to bolster their batting strength.
The left-handed opener will benefit the franchise with his immense experience in the Big Bash League over the years.
Zalmi get Fidel Edwards
West Indies bowling veteran Fidel Edwards will join Peshawar Zalmi alongside South Africa’s David Miller. Both overseas players are in high demand in the franchise cricket all over the world. Their inclusion into the Zalmi squad will make Wahab Riaz’s men strong contenders to clinch the PSL title for the second time.
Quetta make the most of draft
Sarfaraz Ahmed’s team have played the replacement draft smartly to lift themselves from bottom of the table. The have signed Jack Wildermuth, Jake Weatherald, Afghanistan’s Zahir Khan and local fast-bowler Khurram Shehzad.
They can bounce back into the tournament in a jiffy if they make the most of newcomers as well.