The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is facing a significant setback as numerous high-profile international cricketers have withdrawn from the tournament.
The primary reasons cited for their absence include conflicting schedules with other franchise-based tournaments and cricket boards' refusal to grant permission for their players to participate in the domestic T20 competition.
The PSL is set to kick off in Lahore on February 17, but all six franchises are grappling with the departure of several key players who have opted to join other leagues such as the Bangladesh Premier League, ILT20, and the recently concluded SA20. Moreover, a few of the players are still recovering from their respective injuries which has added to the problem.
Which players have opted out of PSL 2024?
Multan Sultans, a prominent PSL team, has been particularly affected, losing several players they had initially signed for the upcoming season. England pace bowler Reece Topley is among the latest withdrawals, citing an injury.
In addition to Topley, Multan Sultans will also miss the services of Pakistan fast bowler Ehsanullah, who is yet to fully recover from an elbow surgery he underwent last year following the previous PSL season.
Other franchises, such as Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators, have also suffered significant blows, losing key players like Lungi Ngidi and Wanandu Hasaranga, respectively.
Notable cricketers from various countries, including Shai Hope, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Tabraiz Shamshi, Rassie van Der Dussen, James Vince, Noor Ahmed, and Naveen ul Haq, among others, have opted to skip the entire tournament, further impacting the PSL's star power and competitiveness.
Calls for a different window for PSL
A PSL franchise owner has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reconsider the timing of the tournament due to scheduling conflicts with other leagues and international cricket series. With the SA20 recently concluded and the ILT20 ending on the day the PSL begins, several players have opted to rest during the PSL.
"The SA20 ended recently and the ILT20 concludes on the day the PSL begins, so it is getting difficult to sign big players now," he said on condition of anonymity.
"There is an acute need to change the PSL window, else it will lose its charm if we don't get big overseas names," he added.
Additionally, January-February witnesses a flurry of international cricket, including Sri Lanka vs. Afghanistan, South Africa vs. New Zealand, and West Indies vs. Australia series - which also prevents many top stars from playing franchise cricket.
Overall, the withdrawals of these high-profile players pose a considerable challenge for the PSL, raising concerns about its ability to attract top talent and maintain its status as one of the premier T20 leagues globally.