Former South African batting great AB de Villiers has been ruled out of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) after sustaining a back injury. The Lahore Qalandars skipper has been signed up for seven games of the season in the United Arab Emirates and two matches in Lahore. However, he failed to play the Pakistan leg and was forced to return home because of his injury.
“I am very disappointed that I will not be able to play in front of the passionate Pakistani cricket fans. I saw my doctor who has advised complete rest for two weeks and, unfortunately, that rules me out of the games in Pakistan,” De Villiers said in a statement.
“I hope to be a part of the PSL next year and very much hope to play my part in the return of international cricket to the country. I am backing Lahore Qalandars to go all the way and win the trophy this year,” he added.
The last four group matches and the playoffs are scheduled to be played in Pakistan. Earlier, the games were supposed to be split between Lahore and Karachi, but the Pakistan Cricket Board has decided that all the matches will take place in Karachi, starting 9 March.
AB showcased an exemplary performance with the bat in the current season. His three entertaining 40-plus scores helped his team securing the fourth position on the points table.