Pakistan middle-order batsman Umar Akmal will represent Quetta Gladiators in the fourth edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL).

According to details, Akmal has been traded by Lahore Qalandars in exchange for left-arm pacer Rahat Ali. 

Qalandars have also traded West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine for Gladiators’ first pick of platinum category in the upcoming draft — which is scheduled to take place on November 20 in Islamabad. The deal also involves transfer of left-arm spinner Hassan Khan from Quetta to Lahore.

Narine — who played two seasons for the Qalandars in 2017 and 2018 — brings a wealth of experience with 299 T20 appearances and 342 wickets across different leagues and tournaments in the world.

Umar Akmal’s move to Quetta Gladiators marks a new chapter in the talented batsman’s T20 career who will be looking to improve on his performances from last year. Akmal, 28, had an unimpressive run last year but his overall tally of 556 runs at a strike rate of 138 in 20 PSL matches brings more batting depth to the Gladiators.  

Chief Opertaing Officer (COO) of Lahore Qalandars Sameen Rana said on this occasion: “On behalf of the Lahore Qalandars management and fans, we would like to thank Sunil and Umar for their services to the team. They added tremendous value to the Qalandars and I wish them well on this next chapter in their PSL careers. We are very excited to welcome Rahat Ali and Hassan Khan to the Qalandars family. Rahat showed what he is capable of with the ball in this format with his excellent bowling last year and Hassan has impressed everyone with his determination and calmness on the field.”

Meanwhile Quetta Gladiators owner Nadeem Umar said: “Sunil Narine and Umar Akmal are world class additions to the Gladiators squad ahead of PSL season 4. Sunil Narine is a magician with the ball and one of the best match winners when in T20 cricket. Umar Akmal, too, remains one of the most destructive batsmen in Pakistan and he will add much needed firepower in our batting. I would also like to thank Hassan Khan and Rahat Ali for being exemplary ambassadors for Quetta Gladiators. Both these talented cricketers will always have a special place in the Gladiators family.”