Pakistan Super League holds replacement draft after foreign players drop out

A replacement draft for the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2017 edition was held today after several foreign players dropped out of the competition due to injuries, unavailability, international commitments or bans, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a press release.

Team managements of four out of the five franchises participated in the replacement draft.

Karachi Kings was the only franchise absent as it had been unaffected by the dropouts. Kings have given their consent to the picks made by the other franchises, the notification stated.

Islamabad United decided to retain West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell in their team, even though Russell currently awaits clearance after a hearing in a doping case. The verdict is expected within a fortnight.

If the player is banned, Islamabad will be given the option to immediately replace him, the PCB said.
Lahore Qalandars were forced to make three changes to their squad, as were Peshawar Zalmi. Zalmi have withheld one pick, which they will make within the next 24 hours.
Last year’s runner-up Quetta Gladiators made four changes to their line-up.