Pakistan veteran Shahid Afridi has been ruled out of a return to the UAE after a back injury forced his withdrawal from the PSL.
The star all-rounder has been one of the most popular players at the cricket grounds of the Emirates for over two decades now.
He will not be appearing when the PSL resumes in Abu Dhabi next month, though, due to a back complaint.
The Multan Sultans star was training in Karachi ahead of the league’s resumption when he experienced pain in his lower back.
The former Pakistan captain has been replaced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s left-arm spinner Asif Afridi.
“While training for the remainder of the PSL, I felt lower back pain and had to consult a doctor,” Afridi said.
“Unfortunately I have been advised to rest and can no longer accompany my team Multan Sultans for the Abu Dhabi leg.
“I am disappointed that I will be sitting out of the tournament, but my best wishes, support and prayers are with the team to take the trophy.”
The PSL was suspended at the start of March because of an outbreak of Covid cases within a number of teams.
The remaining 20 matches have been rescheduled for next month. All the games will take place at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in the capital.
The altered timings and location for the competition have led to a variety of changes in playing personnel.
In the latest changes to be announced, Islamabad United have drafted in Umar Amin and the West Indies opener Brandon King.
Peshawar Zalmi have added Afghanistan’s opener Hazratullah Zazai, who once hit six sixes in an over in a T20 tournament in Sharjah, to their squad, along with the Pakistani duo Sameen Gul and Khalid Usman.
