Pakistan Super League (PSL 2019) franchise Multan Sultans on Thursday (January 24) have signed an imperative all-rounder Andre Russell. The Windies brute force Russell shall replace injured Steven Smith.
Earlier, former Australian skipper has picked an elbow injury. Thus, it ruled him out for the competitive cricket for at least six weeks.
Russell, who was the part of two-time PSL champions Islamabad United (IU) would undoubtedly bring a wealth of experience to the Sultans table.
Interestingly, the maiden edition of the PSL held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Russell claimed 16 scalps in 10 outings. To be precise, in 2016, he became leading wicket-taker in Pakistan’s domestic professional league competition.
On the other side, Sultans have already availed the services of experienced all-rounder Shahid Afridi and a prominent batsman Shoaib Malik.
In the third edition of the PSL, Russell had a tough in which he could bag four wickets in four outings. However, this time around under the dynamic leadership of Malik, Russell could get more opportunities with the ball in the UAE.
Owing to the stability at the top, Sultans also rely on English pick James Vince, who had a solid domestic season in the United Kingdom (UK).
Zalmi repose faith in Andre Fletcher:
On the other side, Peshawar Zalmi roped in Andre Fletcher who couldn’t leave an impact in the last season.
“It is great to have Andre Fletcher back since he is not only a good player. But a true sportsman off the field as well,” Zalmi’s Director Cricketing Affairs and head coach Mohammad Akram said in a release.
In the previous edition, Fletcher could score 86 in five games. But Akram expressed delighted on the rejoining of Fletcher while maintaining he sets up an ambience.
“He is known to be someone who keeps the dugout atmosphere entertaining. We are super excited to have him back with us,” Akram added.
Meanwhile, Zalmi Chairman Javed Afridi has also expressed excitement over the inclusion of Fletcher.
The fourth edition of PSL will kick off on February 15, 2019. In a curtain raiser, Zalmi will take on Sarfraz Ahmed’s Quetta Gladiators in Dubai.