There are indications that South African pacer Lungi Ngidi might miss the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9 due to challenges in obtaining the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Proteas, as per sources reported by Geo News on Friday.
As of now, Ngidi has not obtained the NOC, and the delay is reportedly due to ongoing fitness concerns surrounding the player.
Selected by Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL 9 Draft, the uncertainty regarding Ngidi’s availability may prompt the franchise to seek a replacement during the supplementary and replacement draft scheduled for January 29.
PSL franchises face similar uncertainties with other players, including Karachi Kings, who seek a replacement for Kieron Pollard in the platinum category, as Pollard will be unavailable until the playoffs due to his commitments in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Furthermore, Peshawar Zalmi will be looking for replacements for Afghanistan’s duo Noor Ahmed and Naveen-ul-Haq, while Lahore Qalandars will need substitutes for Rashid Khan and Dan Lawrence.
Quetta Gladiators will also need a replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga, who will only be available for the first five matches.
The ninth season of the PSL is scheduled to kick off on February 17, 2024, at the PCB’s headquarters in Lahore. The opening match will witness two-time champions and current titleholders, Lahore Qalandars, taking on Islamabad United, winners of the 2016 and 2018 editions.
The tournament, featuring six teams, will span across four cities—Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi—with the final set to be held at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on March 18. Over the course of the competition, Karachi will host 11 matches, including the Qualifier, two Eliminators, and the final, while Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi will each host nine matches. Multan will host five matches in total.