PSL 2018: Quetta Gladiators faces a major blow before Karachi, Lahore leg

In the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2018, its franchise Quetta Gladiators had to face yet again a tough time like the second edition. The Quetta-based outfit would miss out on key players this time around.

The fresh shock for the Sarfraz Ahmed-led Gladiators came in the form of Australian duo Shane Watson and Ben Laughlin.

On March 18, the Gladiators has confirmed leading run-scorer of the side and prolific all-rounder form Australia is not willing to travel Pakistan. Same is the case with the fast bowler Laughlin.

Moreover, in the overall run-charts, Watson is third on the table with 319 runs in 10 matches.

Regarding the decision to travel Pakistan, Watson already stated he was bound to discuss the matter with his family members. However, which also reflected his reluctance in making the frank admission by not travelling to Pakistan.

“I have to sit down with my family to be able to really work through what the right decision is for them and me. It is just not my decision. It is my mum’s and dad’s and wife’s as well. We will all sit down to discuss the options,” Dawn quoted Watson.

On the other hand, Laughlin has claimed three scalps in three outings respectively.

The team played 10 matches in which it registered five victories to collect ten points. Misbah-Ul-Haq-led Islamabad United tops the list with seven wins in 10 outings.

The HBL PSL kicked off on February 22 at Dubai International Stadium between defending champions Peshawar Zalmi and new entrant Multan Sultans.

Unfortunately, the 36-year-old Watson is the latest to miss out to serve Gladiators. Earlier, the two English batsmen Kevin Pietersen and flamboyant opener Jason Roy decided not to travel Pakistan.

On the other side, Quetta Gladiators are set to face-off strong-side Zalmi in the first eliminator on March 20 in Lahore.

“As was the case last year, this year too our overseas players will travel to Pakistan for the playoffs,” Zalmi owner Javed Afridi posted on his official Twitter handle.

Moreover, the first leg has successfully culminated in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Glaidorts are at the fourth place.

Here’s the newsfeed:

Hairline Fracture on Wrist Rules out Misbah-ul-Haq from the Remainder of PSL

Large Contingent of Overseas Players to Feature in Pakistan-leg of PSL