PSL: West Indian Jason Holder no longer part of Quetta Gladiators

Holder failed to obtain NOC from WICB; will be replaced by Thesara Perera

KARACHI: West Indian all-rounder Jason Holder is no longer part of the inaugural edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) after he failed to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).

Holder was signed by Quetta Gladiators as one of their three Diamond category picks. Players under the diamond category were expected to be paid $70,000.

The West Indian all-rounder has recently emerged as an integral part of the West Indies cricket team and was also entrusted with the responsibility of ODI captaincy of the national side.



Confirming the news, PSL officials said Holder will not be available for the competition as WICB want their top players to participate in their first-class competition as the West Indian board want to emphasise on Test Cricket.

“It’s true Holder won’t be playing PSL for Gladiators as his NOC has been rejected,” a PSL official confirmed to The Express Tribune.

“We had been in contact with him for last several months and he wanted to be part of PSL. We understand that WICB want to strengthen their Test team and which is why his NOC have been rejected. In the meantime, Gladiators have an option to sign his replacement.”



Meanwhile, it has been learnt that the Gladiators have picked explosive Sri Lankan all-rounder Thishara Perera as Holder’s replacement.

Gladiators owner Nadeem Omar said that although they were disappointed to miss out Holder, the team is happy with having Perera as his replacement. “Holder was an important part of our plans but what can we do now. We wish him good luck for his assignment while we’re delighted to sign such a brilliant replacement in the form of Perera who is a clever bowler and a big-hitter. Gladiators are lucky to have signed a true match-winner so it’s a win-win situation,” Nadeem stated.