West Indies’ young hero who created history at the Gabba with a seven-wicket haul is set to play under Babar Azam’s captaincy for Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024. Joseph has been picked by the Peshawar-based franchise as a partial replacement for England pacer Gus Atkinson.
Atkinson who replaced Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad in the side will only be available partially. Joseph will take Atkinson’s place in the squad once he leaves.
The supplementary and replacement players were announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on January 29. Zalmi also replaced Lungi Ngidi in the silver category with Afghanistan's left-arm spinner Waqar Salamkheil. In-form left-arm pacer Luke Wood and Pakistan wrist spinner Sufiyan Muqeem were the other two picks for Zalmi in the draft.
Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi had teased the fans by posting a franchise jersey with the number of wickets Joseph has taken in Test cricket on Australian soil in his debut series.
Joseph showed exemplary levels of grit when he walked out to bowl the day after Mitchell Starc’s yorker split his toe. With the help from the physio, he looked in good rhythm and bowled with sheer pace. He caused a batting collapse while Steve Smith remained stranded on the other end. This was West Indies’ first Test win on Australian soil since 1997.
So far, Joseph has played just two T20s. He has yet to pick up a wicket. His limited-overs exposure has been limited due to his background but the 24-year-old shows promise, especially after making Australian batters dance to his tunes.
Before making his PSL debut, Joseph will make his International League T20 debut for Dubai Capitals.
While Joseph has been on the radar of T20 franchises, he made it clear in the post-match presentation that he will prioritise playing Test cricket over anything.
"This is my dream, to play cricket for the West Indies,” he said. "I’m not afraid to say this. I will always be available to play for the West Indies, no matter how much money comes towards me. I will always be here to play Test cricket.”
The news of Joseph joining PSL franchise comes a day after former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop said that the youngster along with one or two other fast bowlers should be compensated so that they don't suffer burnout.
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