The young fast bowler from Pakistan – Naseem Shah has been ruled of the second leg of the 2021 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He was due to play for Quetta Gladiators led by Sarfaraz Ahmed but his time has been cut short due to a COVID protocol breach.
As per the protocols, the ones travelling by chartered flights from Karachi and Lahore had to assemble in the Karachi and Lahore hotels on May 24 with negative reports of the PCR tests taken not more than 24 hours before their arrival to the hotel.
Naseem Shah to miss PSL 2021
However, Naseem Shah showed a report of a test, conducted on May 18 after which he was sent into isolation on a separate floor. Thereafter, he was released following the recommendation made by the independent medical advisory panel for the PSL. The other players will fly to Abu Dhabi on May 26. Babar Hamid, the director of commercial and head of PSL 2021, put forth the development on Naseem.
“The PCB doesn’t take any pride in releasing a young fast bowler from its marquee event, but if we will ignore this breach, we will potentially put at risk the entire event. We appreciate Quetta Gladiators for accepting this decision, as it confirms we are all aligned to strictly following and implementing the protocols,” Hamid was quoted as saying.
Shahid Afridi ruled out of PSL 2021
Meanwhile, in another major setback Multan Sultans allrounder Shahid Afridi will not play any part in the remainder of the Pakistan Super League after being sidelined with a lower-back injury. Afridi will be replaced by left-arm spinner Asif Afridi, who hails from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The veteran all-rounder felt a pain in his lower back while training for the resumption of the league, with the doctor advising complete rest.
“While training for the remainder of @thePSLt20, I felt lower back pain & had to consult a doctor. Unfortunately I have been advised to rest and can no longer accompany my team @MultanSultans. I am heartbroken as I was practicing and training really hard,” Shahid Afridi wrote on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/1396822419940290562?s=20