Quetta Gladiators provided an update on Friday regarding the availability of their foreign players for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine.
For their first match against Peshawar Zalmi at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on February 18, Quetta’s head of player acquisition, Nabeel Hashmi, confirmed that captain Rilee Rossouw, along with Jason Roy, Sherfane Rutherford, Laurie Evans, Akeal Hosein, and Will Smeed, will be ready to play.
However, there’s uncertainty about Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga’s availability. Initially expected to play the first five matches, scheduling conflicts with the Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka series mean he’ll miss the first two matches. His participation in the remaining three matches is also in doubt as Quetta awaits his No Objection Certificate.
On another note, mentor Sir Vivian Richards and bowling coach Shaun Tait have already arrived in Pakistan ahead of PSL 9.
The opening ceremony of PSL 9 is set to take place before the first match between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, featuring performances by Ali Zafar, Aima Baig, Arif Lohar, and Noori. The ceremony will include fireworks and a laser show, starting at 6:30 pm after gates open at 3:30 pm.
PSL 9 will be held in two legs, with Multan Cricket Stadium and Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium hosting 14 matches from February 17 to 27. The action will then shift to Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium and Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, where 16 matches will be held from February 28 to March 12. The playoffs and the entire event’s conclusion will take place in Karachi.
