PSL 2021: Andre Russell, Martin Guptill Roped In As Overseas Replacements For Remainder Of Tournament

Andre Russell, Martin Guptill, Shakib Al Hasan, and Fabian Allen are amongst the several superstar overseas players who have been signed up as replacements for the remainder of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2021.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) conducted a replacement draft on Tuesday for the six teams to refill their squads after their overseas players have pulled out of the suspended PSL season which will now resume on June 1.

The tournament was postponed after 14 matches in early March following a number of players and staff members returning positive covid-19 results. The remainder of the tournament will resume in June, with all matches to be played in Karachi; the teams will assemble by May 23 for their mandatory one-week quarantine.

Andre Russell to replace Tom Banton at Quetta Gladiators

Andre Russell has been picked by the Quetta Gladiators after Englishman Tom Banton has withdrawn from the remaining of the season. The Jamaican is currently playing in the IPL 2021 for the Kolkata Knight Riders. The IPL playoffs will commence on May 25 with the final on May 20.

If Eoin Morgan’s side manages to qualify for the playoffs, it would mean Andre Russell will be late to arrive in Karachi for his 7-day quarantine. Hence, the Gladiators may miss Andre Russell’s services for their game on June 3rd versus Islamabad United.

Andre Russell’s KKR teammate Shakib Al Hasan will replace superstar Afghanistan spinner, Rashid Khan for Lahore Qalandars. Australian quartet Usman Khawaja, Joe Burns, James Faulkner, Callum Ferguson were also picked up as replacements, while Kiwi opener, Martin Guptill replaces Colin Ingram at Karachi Kings.