Paul Stirling is set to return to Pakistan Super League as he is available for tonight’s Eliminator 2 against Lahore Qalandars. A relaxation of Covid regulation makes it possible for the Irish player immediately eligible to compete upon arrival in Pakistan.
Paul Stirling has rejoined his PSL franchise, Islamabad United after returning from a negative PCR Test. He is all set to become the second high-profile surprise return for the same team in just two days in PSL.
Due to PCB's Covid-19 policy Alex Hales could return for Thursday's win over Peshawar Zalmi in Eliminator 1. Now thanks to the same tweaked rule, Stirling can immediately compete in the league. Before the amendment, anyone arriving from outside Pakistan would have had to quarantine for three days before being allowed to play.
Stirling had to leave for international duty after playing the first five games of the tournament. He took part in a T20 quadrangular series in Oman and then in the T20 World Cup qualifiers before emerging as one of the most destructive opening pairs with Hales in the first leg of the Pakistan Super League.
The England batter had cited the mental fatigue of bio-bubbles as the reason for early departure. On his return, he won the Eliminator against Peshawar Zalmi for United with his player-of-the-match performance.
Likewise, Stirling is expected to follow the same protocols as he will be kept apart from the team as much as possible. He will be staying in a separate room, travelling in a separate car, and will not have access to the team’s dressing room.