Injured AB de Villiers out of Pakistan leg of PSL

De Villiers was captain of Lahore Qalandars, having signed up to play seven games of the season in the United Arab Emirates and two matches in Lahore. He had returned home to South Africa after his commitments in the UAE leg, and was supposed to fly back to join the team in Pakistan, but has been sidelined for two weeks because of his injury.

“I am very disappointed that I will not be able to play in front of the passionate Pakistani cricket fans,” said de Villiers in a statement on Monday, 4 March. “I saw my doctor who has advised complete rest for two weeks and, unfortunately, that rules me out of the games in [Pakistan].

“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.”

Lahore are fourth on the points table, with de Villiers having made three entertaining 40-plus scores for them.

The last four PSL group matches and the play-offs are scheduled to be held in Pakistan. 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.