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Major blow for Quetta Gladiators as Hasaranga set to miss PSL 8

The all-rounder has been denied NOC by Sri Lanka Cricket

Major blow for Quetta Gladiators as Hasaranga set to miss PSL 8 PHOTO: AFP

Sri Lankan all-rounder, Wanindu Hasaranga, who was picked by Quetta Gladiators as their platinum pick in the PSL 8 draft is set to miss the tournament.

The all-rounder has been denied NOC by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for the marquee league.

The all-rounder was expected to arrive in Pakistan by Monday, but now will not be able to represent Gladiators.

Hasaranga was partially available for Gladiators. He was supposed to play in six games before leaving on March 3. However, the franchise have confirmed that he won’t be joining the side and they are looking for a replacement player.

Gladiators have already lost two out of their first three games and the aforementioned news comes as a major setback to their plans.

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A week before the tournament, Quetta captain, in an interview with Cricket Pakistan, had said that Hasaranga’s availability for the whole season will be important for them.

“As far as foreigners are concerned, Hasaranga is an important addition to our side. He is the number one spinner in the world, so we selected him as our first pick. If he is available for us from the first game, then it will be really good for us,” Sarfaraz said.

Last week, Kusal Mendis was also denied NOC by SLC to participate in PSL 8, after which Lahore Qalandars picked Shai Hope as his replacement.

Interestingly, Bhanuka Rajapaksa was allowed to participate in PSL 8 by SLC and is playing for Peshawar Zalmi.