Azmatullah Omarzai to replace Shakib Al Hasan in Peshawar Zalmi squad for PSL 2023
Shakib Al Hasan had rejoined Peshawar Zalmi for PSL 2023 (Twitter
In a sudden turn of events, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has had to leave the Peshawar Zalmi squad in the middle of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2023 due to a family emergency in the United States.
The news was confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), who also announced that Azmatullah Omarzai, will replace him in the squad.
"Peshawar Zalmi's Shakib Al Hasan has had to leave the squad to attend a family emergency in the United States and he has been replaced by Azmatullah Omarzai. The Bangladesh all-rounder would return to the Pakistan Super League for the Playoffs in case Peshawar Zalmi's qualification," PCB shared in a statement.
Shakib's departure from the PSL 2023 has come as a shock to both his fans and the Peshawar Zalmi franchise. The experienced cricketer expressed his disappointment at leaving the tournament midway, especially after his team's winning start against the Karachi Kings.
Despite the setback, Peshawar Zalmi is hopeful that the Bangladesh veteran will return to the team for the playoffs in case they qualify.
Meanwhile, the 35-year old had a forgettable outing in the first game, scoring just one run and conceding 32 runs in his three overs without taking any wickets. He was subsequently dropped from the playing XI in their next game against the Multan Sultans.
Peshawar will face the Quetta Gladiators on Monday, February 20, in a bid to bounce back from their recent defeat to the Sultans. Babar Azam's side faced a humiliating 56-run defeat in their second game of the tournament, after a thrilling two-run victory over the Karachi Kings in their opening game.
 "Jatin")
