PSL Faces Another Significant Setback Before Start

It appears unlikely that Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga will be participating in the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as he has not yet received the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the cricket board. Quetta Gladiators’ official announcement on Twitter revealed that Hasaranga was initially set to play the first five matches of the PSL. However, due to the scheduling of the Afghanistan versus Sri Lanka series, he is expected to miss the first two matches.

For the remaining three matches, Hasaranga’s participation is contingent on the approval of the NOC from Sri Lanka Cricket, and Quetta Gladiators are currently awaiting the necessary clearance. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Hasaranga’s availability, Quetta’s top official expressed satisfaction with the signing of Akeal Hossain, who shares a similar role with Hasaranga.

Hasaranga was supposed to play first 5 matches.
Scheduling of AFG v SL series meant he would miss first 2 matches & his availability curtailed to 3 matches.
But even that is looking unlikely now as we continue to wait on his NOC.

We signed Akeal Hosein for that very reason 😊 https://t.co/1IxvlibV6w

— Nabeel Hashmi (@iNabeelHashmi) February 16, 2024

Read more: Ubaid Shah Cautions Babar Azam For PSL 9

As the T20I captain for Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga is a key player in various franchise leagues. Known for his right-arm leg-spin bowling and ability to contribute in the lower order during death overs batting, he has previously played for IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore and participated in leagues in different countries. Hailing from Galle, Hasaranga made his white-ball debut for Sri Lanka in 2017.

Given the presence of Akeal Hossain in Quetta Gladiators’ lineup, it seems unlikely that they will make a new signing to replace Wanindu Hasaranga.