KARACHI: Pakistan Super League owner Javed Afridi has given a major boost ahead of the 11th edition by ensuring the full availability of key foreign players including Gusal Mendis, Nahid Rana, Michael Bracewell and Aaron Hardy.
Afridi, the owner of former champions Peshawar Zalmi, addressed speculation regarding the quartet’s participation in the season, which runs from March 26 to May 3.
Earlier, several reports on social media suggested some foreign stars would be partially available.
Claims include Rana only being available for the first five matches, Hardy missing the entire season, Mendis missing the opening games and Bracewell missing some games.
However, Afridi dismissed the rumors during a recent Instagram Q&A session.
In response to many fans’ questions regarding the players’ participation, he gave a clear and concise answer: “Yes”: confirming that all four players will be available for the entire season.
Asked about the signing of Bangladesh’s rising talent Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Afridi responded succinctly: “Smart you.”
In the historic 11th PSL series, eight teams, including new entrants Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen and Rawalpindis, will play 44 matches over a 39-day period.
Defending champions Lahore Qalandars Hyderabad will face Houston Kingsmen in the opening match at the Gaddafi Stadium on March 26.
Meanwhile, a one-day match between Peshawar Zalmi and Rawalpindi will be played on March 28 at Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar.
As per the tournament format, each team will play 10 matches in the group stage, with the top four advancing to the playoffs, which includes Qualifier 1.
Eliminator and Qualifier 2, followed by the final on May 3 at Gaddafi Stadium. A reserve day is also scheduled on May 4.
Peshawar Zalmi Squad for PSL 11:
Babar Azam (c), Sufyan Mukeem, Abdul Samad, Ali Raza, Aaron Hardy, Amir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Haris, Khalid Usman, Abdul Subhan, James Vince, Michael Bracewell, Gusal Mendis, Iftikhar Ahmed, Nahid Tahirhan Ahmed, Nahid Tahirwa Rana, M. Farhan Yusuf and Shoriful Islam.
Peshawar Zalmi PSL 11 Matches:
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