PSL 2018: Thisara Perera and Mahmudullah Riyad replace Shane Watson, Kevin Peiterson

The captain of Quetta Gladiators, Sarfraz Ahmed, named Sri Lankan all-rounder Thisara Perera and Mahmudullah in the playing XI. Both came as a replacement for Kevin Pietersen and Shane Watson in the team.

However, the leading run scorer in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Watson, and recently retired Pietersen pull out of the tournament. The professional cricketers have cited security issues for Pakistan leg.

For all unaware, the Playoffs of the league, as well as the finals, will be held in Pakistan. Many others such as Eoin Morgan and Alex Hales decided to not take part further in the tournament.

The Gladiators’ face off against the Peshawar Zalmi, which was scheduled to be played at the iconic Gadaffi Stadium, Lahore. It was a heart-racing thriller which Zalmi won by a run, Quetta received a major boost to their side as Rilee Rossouw decided to participate further in the tournament, after receiving a briefing from Reg Dickason.

PSL committee granted special permission to Perera to represent Sarfraz XI. Originally, Multan Sultans picked the all-rounder but did not play a single match for the fresh franchise.

Jason Roy, Kevin Pietersen, Ben Laughlin and Shane Watson denied featuring in PSL knockouts.

Moreover, Quetta has signed up Windies opener Johnson Charles and Tom-Kohler Cadmore. The 23-year-old right-handed batsman is playing for English county side Yorkshire.

Simultaneously, Sam Billings and Steven Finn were skeptical regarding travelling to Pakistan. The organizers waited for a positive response from the two Englishmen in the Islamabad United camp.

On the other hand, the other internationals in the United’s squad, namely, Samit Patel, JP Duminy and Luke Ronchi. The trio has already agreed to tour Pakistan.

English players Roy and Pietersen, along with Aussie stalwarts Ben Laughlin and Shane Watson, have all denied featuring in Pakistan for the knockout stages.

With the conclusion of ongoing Nidahas Trophy, Quetta acquired the services of Mahmudullah and Thisara Perera into their ranks for the Pakistan-leg of PSL. The other hopefuls to travel Pakistan are South Africa star Rilee Rossouw and BBL star Chris Green.

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