Proteas player could not get NOC from Cricket Board
South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi is likely to miss Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9 as he struggles to get a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Proteas. Ngidi is yet to receive an NOC and the delay is due to ongoing fitness concerns. Peshawar Zalmi selected the 27-year-old in the PSL 9 draft but ongoing concerns with the pacer may force the franchise to sign a replacement in the January 29 supplementary and alternative draft.
PSL franchises will choose permanent or temporary replacements for the eight players who are doubtful for the upcoming edition. Karachi Kings will look to replace Kieron Pollard in the platinum category as the former West Indies all-rounder will not be available until the playoffs due to his commitments in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Peshawar Zalmi will look for replacements for Afghanistan duo Noor Ahmed and Naveen-ul-Haq, while reigning champions Lahore Qalandars will get Rashid Khan in place of Silver and Dean Lawrence.
Quetta Gladiators will look for a replacement for Venendu Hasringa who will be available for the first five matches only. It should be noted that the season of PSL 9 is going to start on February 17, 2024 at the PCB headquarters in Lahore. In the opening match, two-time champions and current title holders Lahore Qalandars will face Islamabad United, winners of the 2016 and 2018 editions.
This premier cricket event will be played in four cities, Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi, with the final on March 18 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. The tournament will consist of six teams and 34 T20 matches. During the competition, Karachi will host 11 matches including qualifiers, two eliminators and the final. Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium and Rawalpindi's Pindi Cricket Stadium will host nine matches each. Multan, known as the city of saints, will witness five matches.