Multan Sultans face a setback ahead of the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) as fast bowlers Reece Topley and Ihsanullah are ruled out due to injuries. Sultans owner Ali Tareen confirmed Topley’s absence, citing the unavailability of his No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from England, a requirement for participating in the PSL.
Although Topley has not previously played in the PSL, he had a busy T20 season, featuring in 12 games during the SA20 with Durban Super Giants. Despite being slated to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Royal Challengers Bangalore, his exclusion from the PSL is a precautionary measure, ensuring he remains fit for the T20 World Cup later in the year.
To fill the void left by Topley, Multan Sultans sought to bring in South African fast bowler Nandre Burger, who had an impressive SA20 season. However, Cricket South Africa denied NOC clearance for Burger. The team is now reportedly considering alternatives, with Olly Stone, a participant in the SA20 and ILT20, and Sri Lankan seamer Dushmantha Chameera emerging as potential replacements.
Chameera’s availability, however, is uncertain as he suffered a left quadriceps injury during a white-ball series against Afghanistan. The severity of his injury remains unknown, raising concerns about his readiness for the PSL.
The PSL is scheduled to commence on February 17, and Multan Sultans, who reached the final in the last two seasons but fell short both times, are grappling with the challenge of securing a suitable replacement for Topley. The team’s pursuit of an effective replacement reflects their determination to maintain competitiveness in the tournament.
As the PSL draws near, Multan Sultans’ contingency plans come into focus, highlighting the unpredictable nature of cricket and the importance of adapting to unforeseen circumstances in the pursuit of success in T20 leagues.
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