KARACHI: Debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen are weighing up their options to replace South African pacer Othniel Bartman ahead of the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) from March 26 to May 3.
According to sources, the Kingsmen have approached Sri Lankan off-spinner Mahesh Dikshana to participate in the tournament.
However, his participation continues in Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in obtaining a No Obligation Certificate (NOC).
Notably, Bartman was selected by the franchise during the historic inaugural PSL player auction held on February 11 at the Expo Center in Lahore.
The right-arm pacer, who was signed for PKR 1.1 crore, has opted out of the upcoming edition. Neither the player nor the owner gave a reason for his absence.
Deekshana, meanwhile, brings considerable experience in the shorter format of the game. He has played 83 T20Is for Sri Lanka and has taken 82 wickets with an economy rate of 7.08.
He also has extensive ownership experience, having participated in leagues such as ILD20, Indian Premier League (IPL), SA20, Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Lanka Premier League (LPL).
The landmark 11th edition of the PSL will see eight teams, including new entrants Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindi, compete in 44 matches over a 39-day period.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has significantly scaled back its plans for the tournament, confirming that the matches will be held at two stadiums and will be played behind closed doors.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced the revised arrangements at a media conference, saying the decisions were taken following a joint meeting with franchise owners and consultation with host-in-chief 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.