Quetta Gladiators have made some big moves ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) player draft by securing the services of West Indies spinner Sunil Narine along with former Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal.
The Gladiators traded pacer Rahat Ali and left-arm spinner Hassan Khan to Lahore Qalandars to secure the services of the duo on Saturday.
“Sunil Narine and Umar Akmal are world-class additions to the Gladiators squad ahead of PSL season 4. Sunil Narine is a magician with the ball and one of the best match winners when in T20 cricket. Umar Akmal, too, remains one of the most destructive batsmen in Pakistan and he will add much-needed firepower in our batting,” Quetta Gladiators owner Nadeem Omar said in a statement.
Breaking News!!! 📢 📢📢
— Quetta Gladiators (@TeamQuetta) November 3, 2018
The magician Sunil Narine has joined Quetta Gladiators and will make us even more stronger in @thePSLt20 season 4.
One of the best spinners in the world and can play match-winning knocks as well #NarineTurnsGladiator #ShaanePakistan pic.twitter.com/k8zN9a9in8
Narine had joined Lahore Qalandars in season two of the PSL and has picked up 20 wickets for the franchise at an average of 20.65.
Earlier, the Gladiators had also secured the services of Pakistan pacer Sohail Tanvir from Multan Sultan after trading a Diamond round pick in the upcoming player draft.
Meanwhile, former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum will not be turning out for the Lahore Qalandars in the next edition.
“A big thank you to Lahore Qalandars for the past two seasons. Today we have parted ways but I leave with fond memories and friendships. I wish you all the best in the future. To the Rana family, a special thank you. Our friendship will always remain,” McCullum wrote on Twitter.
A big thank you to @lahoreqalandars for the past 2 seasons. Today we have parted ways but I leave with fond memories and friendships. I wish you all the best in the future. To the Rana family, a special thank you. Our friendship will always remain. @thePSLt20
— Brendon McCullum (@Bazmccullum) November 3, 2018
Former Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq will be another big player who will not participate in the upcoming edition with the veteran transitioning to a non-playing role for Islamabad United.
“Islamabad United has always greatly valued Misbah as a player, leader and a superb team player. As he transitions into his non-playing phase, we believe he can add a lot of value to ISLU as well as to Pakistan,” Islamabad United manager Hasan Cheema said in a statement earlier this week.
“The franchise continues to discuss with him avenues which could provide him a platform to pursue his next phase. These discussions continue and deserve the confidentiality which a senior player like him deserves.”
