Karachi Kings' Mitchell McClenaghan Leaves PSL Over Coronavirus Concerns

New Zealand fast-bowler Mitchell McClenaghan has become the latest overseas player to leave the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) over coronavirus concerns. The left-arm pacer was plying his trade for Karachi Kings in the fifth edition of the competition.

The PSL is the only high-profile cricket series or tournament that is still going on although the PCB has cut is short by four days. Earlier, the playoffs were to run from March 17 to March 22, the first match in Karachi and the remaining three in Lahore. Now, the semi-final double-header will be on March 17 and the final on March 18, all at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

The PCB has also allowed the overseas as well as local players and others to leave the tournament if they want to. Mitchell McClenaghan is the fifteenth overseas player to leave the tournament so far. In addition to that, Peshawar Zalmi coach James Foster has left PSL too.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Sunday, confirmed the news of Mitchell McClenaghan’s departure. In order to combat the coronavirus outbreak, New Zealand have decided to enforce a mandatory 14-day self-isolation for anyone who enters its borders after midnight of Sunday. This might have prompted Mitchell McClenaghan to return to his home land as quickly as possible.

“Karachi Kings fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan will return to New Zealand following the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to provide an option to competing players to withdraw from the ongoing HBL Pakistan Super League 2020.

“The PCB will facilitate McClenaghan’s safe return. Kings, as per the tournament’s regulations, are allowed a replacement for the fast bowler subject to Event Technical Committee’s approval,” stated the release by the PCB.

Mitchell McClenaghan played just one game this season when he turned up against Multan Sultans and failed to pick up any wicket. Karachi Kings, meanwhile, made it to the semifinal on Saturday with a win over Islamabad United.

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