LAHORE: Pakistan Super League has announced that West Indies Shamar Joseph has joined Peshawar Zalmi for the upcoming Pakistan Super League PSL-9. The PSL made the announcement via its social media social media platforms.
Off the back of his heroics, rising star ⭐ Shamar Joseph joins the fray for HBL PSL 9 🎊#HBLPSL9 pic.twitter.com/DZhTqVwRgg
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) January 29, 2024
Shamar Joseph’s outstanding performance for the West Indies against Australia at the Gabba enabled him to secure a spot in the PSL, as Peshawar Zalmi eagerly signed a contact with him. Scheduled to commence with the franchise from the tournament’s onset, Joseph is expected to remain with them throughout the competition. Despite initially being announced as a temporary replacement for England’s Gus Atkinson, Joseph’s retention with Zalmi for the entire tournament has been confirmed, even after Atkinson’s anticipated arrival. This decision follows Atkinson’s commitment to the England Test squad in India until March 11, making him unavailable for all but the playoff matches.
Joseph’s inclusion was not part of the replacement and supplementary draft held earlier, where Zalmi initially announced Gus Atkinson as a replacement for the entire tournament due to the unavailability of Afghan leg spinner Noor Ahmed.
Shamar Joseph Joins Peshawar Zalmi
In other PSL team updates, Haider Ali, Johnson Charles, and Bhanuka Rajapaksa were among the players drafted in as replacements for various sides due to scheduling conflicts or injuries. The draft was conducted via a conference call, as per the PCB’s statement.
Interestingly, Rashid Khan’s withdrawal from this PSL due to injury prompted Lahore Qalandars to reserve their pick, potentially allowing them to retain his services for the next season. Similarly, Dan Lawrence’s partial unavailability didn’t result in a replacement by Qalandars, mirroring Islamabad’s decision not to replace Tom Curran, who suffered a knee injury.
WELCOME TO ZALMI FAMILY SHAMAR JOSEPH @PeshawarZalmi pic.twitter.com/IYtgmKHG0d
— Javed Afridi (@JAfridi10) January 29, 2024
Additionally, Karachi Kings enlisted left-arm spinner Zahid Mahmood as a replacement for Kieron Pollard, while Bismillah Khan stepped in for Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga for Quetta Gladiators. Multan Sultans bolstered their squad by adding seam-bowling allrounder Mohammad Shahzad, while Islamabad secured West Indies left-arm fast bowler Obed McCoy.
The upcoming PSL season is set to kick off on February 17 at the Gaddafi Stadium, culminating with the final match at the National Stadium in Karachi on March 18. Defending champions Lahore Qalandars are aiming to secure their third consecutive title.
