PSL-10 faces withdrawal of major foreign players

Just days before the highly-anticipated resumption of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, Lahore Qalandars have been hit with a major setback as star all-rounder Sikandar Raza has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to international commitments.

Raza, who has been among Qalandars’ standout performers this season, will be unavailable as he prepares to represent Zimbabwe in their upcoming home Test series, which begins on May 22. With Zimbabwe returning to red-ball cricket, the 38-year-old’s presence has become pivotal to their plans, forcing his exit from the PSL.

In PSL X, Raza played a crucial role for Lahore Qalandars, scoring 228 runs at a strike rate of 162.85 and claiming 8 wickets in 9 matches. His absence leaves a significant void in both batting and bowling departments, as the Qalandars aim to mount a late push for the playoffs when the league resumes on May 17.

According to sources, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Kyle Jamieson—who all featured earlier in the tournament, have also confirmed their unavailability. Allen, a key contributor for Quetta Gladiators, and Seifert, who had found form with Karachi Kings, will be missed deeply. Although Jamieson had a quieter season, his absence adds to the growing list of withdrawals.

Questions also remain around the availability of other New Zealand players such as Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman, while Sam Billings of Lahore Qalandars is yet to confirm his return. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been engaged in active dialogue with cricket boards and player agents to address the growing foreign player crisis. However, personal decisions and international schedules have begun to limit options.

Despite the uncertainty, Karachi Kings received a boost with the confirmation that David Warner, Mohammad Nabi, and James Vince will return, offering the team much-needed continuity as they chase a top-two finish.

With the PSL’s revised schedule now spanning from May 17-25, all six franchises are bracing for a condensed sprint to the title, beginning with league matches in Rawalpindi and culminating with the playoffs and final in Lahore.

The foreign exodus may compel teams to dig into their domestic reserves or seek short-term overseas replacements. This reshuffling is expected to significantly impact team strategies, especially for sides like Lahore Qalandars, who relied heavily on experienced international all-rounders.