LAHORE: Defending champions Lahore Qalandars on Sunday announced Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka’s withdrawal from the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) scheduled to be held from March 26 to May 3.
The franchise confirmed the all-rounder’s departure in a statement on their social media channels, replacing him with Australian Daniel Sams.
“Daniel Sams to play for Lahore Qalandars! Bat, ball, impact—get ready for fireworks,” wrote the franchise.
The Qalandars attributed Shanaka’s departure to personal reasons.
However, reports suggest that the Sri Lankan has been signed by Indian Premier League (IPL) owner Rajasthan Royals to replace injured England all-rounder Sam Curran.
Having previously played in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Vitality Blast, ILD20, Men’s Centurion, Major League Cricket (MLC) and Indian Premier League (IPL), Daniel Sams brings considerable experience in franchise cricket.
The Australian has previously represented both Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL. Till date, he has played five matches and has taken 33 runs and 6 wickets.
Meanwhile, the historic 11th edition of the PSL will see eight teams, including new entrants Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen and Rawalpindis, compete in 44 matches over a 39-day period.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has significantly scaled back its plans for the upcoming tournament, announcing that the matches will be played across two stadiums and without spectators.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the revised arrangements during a media conference, saying the decisions were taken following a joint meeting with the PSL owner and consultation with host Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Six cities, Multan, Peshawar, Faisalabad, Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore, were initially named as potential hosts. However, the tournaments have now been consolidated, with all the matches to be held in Karachi and Lahore.
Lahore Qalandars squad updated for PSL 11: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abdullah Shafiq, Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Naeem, Mustafizur Rahman, Haris Raoob, Usama Mir, Faqar Zaman, Ubaid Shah, Haseebullah, Mohammad Farooq, Daniel Chams, Parvez Hussain Eman, Hussaif Tahirlat, D. Rubin Herman, Mas Khan and Shahab Khan.
comments