Image Source: AFP
[Saba Sports News] England’s fast bowler Reece Topley will not be participating in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) due to a minor injury, missing out on what would have been his first appearance in Pakistan’s top-tier T20 league with the Multan Sultans.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has decided against granting Topley the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) for him to play in the tournament. Topley’s recent performance includes taking 13 wickets in 12 matches for the Durban Super Giants in SA20 2024, where they were the runners-up.
Ali Tareen, the owner of the Multan Sultans, confirmed via Twitter on February 11 that Topley would not receive his NOC and thus would miss the PSL. In addition to Topley, the Sultans will also be without Ihsanullah, a promising young fast bowler sidelined by an elbow injury.
While Topley’s injury is reported not to be severe, the ECB is exercising caution, especially with the T20 World Cup on the horizon in June, to be hosted in the West Indies and the USA. This precaution does not extend to Topley’s participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL), suggesting his injury may not sideline him for an extended period.
The Sultans are actively seeking replacements to strengthen their roster. South African Nandre Burger was considered as a potential substitute after a notable SA20 2024 performance, but he too was unable to secure an NOC from Cricket South Africa.
Now, the team is looking at England’s Olly Stone, fresh from his SA20 and ILT20 stints, and Sri Lankan fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera as possible replacements, although Chameera recently suffered a quadriceps injury and is out of action against Afghanistan.
With the PSL set to start on February 17, the Multan Sultans, runners-up in the last two editions, are aiming to clinch the title this year under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan.