England’s left-arm pacer Reece Topley has been ruled out of the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 as the England Cricket Board (ECB) denied his request for a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC). Topley’s request was denied as a precautionary measure as he is currently struggling with a niggle.
After taking 12 wickets from 10 matches for SA20 2024 runners-up Keshav Maharaj-led Durban Super Giants, Topley was all set to join Multan Sultans ahead of their campaign opener against Karachi Kings on February 18.
Topley's most recent appearance was on February 10. He conceded 32 runs from three overs but picked up the wicket of Sunrisers Eastern Cape opener Dawid Malan with the new ball. Durban Super Giants lost the match by 89 runs.
In Topley’s absence, Multan Sultans will be allowed a replacement. Topley’s national teammates David Willey and Chris Jordan are likely to get bigger roles under Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy.
Injury-prone Topley
Meanwhile, Topley’s struggle against the niggle is also a headache for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team management. He was picked for Rs 1.90 crore by RCB in the previous edition’s auction. Despite playing just one match, he was retained by the franchise.
In the last season, Topley made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut for RCB in their campaign opener against Mumbai Indians (MI). He picked up a wicket from the first two overs he bowled but injured his shoulder. Eventually, he was ruled out of the entire season and Wayne Parnell was named as his replacement. He was also ruled out of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 in India.
However, with a few weeks to go for the IPL 2024, Topley may be able to regain full fitness. In case he doesn't, RCB have the services of Alzarri Joseph who they picked for Rs 11.50 in the mini-auction along with New Zealand's Lockie Ferguson and England's Tom Curran.
Multan Sultans’ squad for PSL 2024
Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Khusdil Shah, Usama Mir, Abbas Afridi, Ihsanullah, Faisal Akram, David Willey, Dawid Malan, Reeza Hendricks, Tayyab Tahir, Shahnawaz Dahani, Mohammad Ali, Usman Khan, Yasir Khan, Chris Jordan, Aftab Ibrahim
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
'Stop overestimating him': Ex-Australia captain Ian Chappell gives strong verdict on star India batter, urges Rohit Sharma to value THIS player
WATCH: KL Rahul drops major fitness update ahead of 3rd Test India vs England Test in Rajkot; know here
