In a big setback for Lahore Qalandars, star player AB de Villiers has pulled out of the fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
The former South Africa stalwart has been released from the Lahore Qalandars roster ahead of the player draft for PSL 5 which is set to take place on December 6.
According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, de Villiers has pulled out of the T20 league in order to manage his workload. The 35-year-old had participated in the PSL for the first time in the 2019 edition with his signature coming as a big boost for the league.
The South African featured in seven games for the Qalandars where he managed to score 218 runs at an average of over 54. However, de Villiers did not turn out for the Pakistan-leg of the tournament after picking up a back injury.
Despite his presence in the team, the Lahore franchise still finished bottom of the table.
Ab de Villiers. Image – @thePSLt20/Twitter.
PSL franchises have been given until December 1 to finalise their retentions and make trades. Each franchise is allowed to retain a maximum of eight players ahead of the player draft.
The right-hander, popularly called ‘Mr. 360’, is currently participating in South Africa’s Mzansi Super League (MSL) where he is representing the Tshwane Spartans. De Villiers played the Vitality T20 Blast in the summer in England where he wore the colours of Middlesex.
His next commitment after the completion of the MSL will be a maiden foray into the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia at the end of the year. He was earlier signed by Brisbane Heat after several BBL franchises had clamored to get his signature.
De Villiers is expected to participate in next year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) where he is contracted by Royal Challengers Bangalore.