Steve Smith Makes Himself Available For PSL But On One Condition

Former Australia skipper Steve Smith has made himself for the upcoming season of Pakistan Super League (PSL). However, he has made it clear that he would only play in the league during its UAE leg and would not travel to Pakistan.

As a result, even if he gets a contract and his goes on to progress from the league phase, he would miss the play-offs and final. Smith along with his David Warner and Cameron Bancroft are currently serving bans for their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town in March this year.

In the wake of the scandal, Cricket Australia had slapped lengthy bans on the trio. While Smith and Warner received one-year ban each, Bancroft was docked with a nine-month suspension.  Smith also had to give up his captaincy. The trio was banned from playing international and first-class cricket for their states.

However, CA had made it clear the forbidden trio would be allowed to play grade cricket as well as franchise cricket. As a result, Smith, and Warner made their return to field through the inaugural Global T20 Canada league. Smith and Warner also played in the Caribbean Premier League.

Smith and Warner’s ban ends before the World Cup in England next year. The right-handed batsman, meanwhile, has made himself available for PSL for the first time.

As per media reports, besides Smith there are several other top foreign players who have also made it clear they wouldn’t travel to Pakistan.

“Smith and these players have said they will only be available to play in UAE,” a PSL source said.

Another top-profile name who will not play the full duration of the league is AB de Villiers. He has limited his first ever appearance in the PSL to just two weeks. Consequently, he too will not travel to Pakistan.

Meanwhile, players from all Test playing nations except India as well as associate member countries of the ICC are available for the players draft.