PSL 2024: Full List Of Players Who've Pulled Out Of Pakistan Super League So Far

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In a big jolt to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), several prominent international cricketers have withdrawn from participating in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL 2024) due to scheduling conflicts with other franchise-based tournaments, coupled with many cricket boards refusing to grant permission for their players to engage in domestic T20 competitions.

Commencing in Lahore on February 17, the PSL - the premier homegrown domestic T20 competition in Pakistan - has experienced a significant blow as several players have opted to join alternative leagues such as the Bangladesh Premier League, ILT20, and SA20.

Multan Sultans, a PSL team, has suffered losses with several players they initially signed for the upcoming season, with England fast bowler Reece Topley being the latest to withdraw due to injury. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed its denial of a no-objection certificate (NOC) for Topley's participation in the PSL. Similarly, other cricket boards are reconsidering issuing NOCs for PSL participation.

PSL 2024: List of Players Opting Out of Pakistan Super League

Multan Sultans will also be missing Pakistan fast bowler Ehsanullah, who has not yet recovered from elbow surgery he underwent last year post-PSL. Peshawar Zalmi has lost South African cricketer Lungi Ngidi, while Quetta Gladiators will be without Sri Lankan player Wanandu Hasaranga.

Additionally, cricketers from West Indies, South Africa, England, and Afghanistan, including Shai Hope, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van Der Dussen, James Vince, Noor Ahmed, and Naveen ul Haq, among others, have opted out of the entire PSL tournament.

A franchise owner has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reconsider the tournament's timing, citing challenges in attracting top-tier players with three concurrent leagues. He emphasised the scheduling overlap, noting the conclusion of SA20 and ILT20 just as the PSL commences, complicating player acquisitions.

A PSL franchise owner has asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to revisit the tournament window, as it is not possible to get big players when three leagues are happening one after the other.

He said on condition of anonymity, "The SA20 ended recently and the ILT20 concludes on the day the PSL begins, so it is getting difficult to sign big players now... "There is an acute need to change the PSL window, or else it will lose its charm if we don't get big overseas names," he added.

Furthermore, he highlighted the busy January-February period for the international cricket series, including Sri Lanka versus Afghanistan, South Africa versus New Zealand, and West Indies versus Australia, underscoring the urgent need for adjusting the PSL window to maintain its allure and attract top overseas talent.