Josh Little ruled out of PSL 8, to prepare for IPL

Irish left-arm fast bowler Josh Little will no longer be able to participate in the ongoing HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) due to a hamstring injury sustained during the recent SA20 tournament in South Africa.

The 23-year-old Josh, who was set to play for Multan Sultans in the tournament, has returned home for treatment and rehabilitation.

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Despite the setback, the left-arm seamer has not lost his spot in the Indian Premier League. Little was selected by champions Gujarat Titans in the draft for the IPL, which is set to begin in late March. 

An initial ultrasound scan in South Africa was inconclusive, but an MRI scan showed no significant injury in the hamstring.

Mark Rausa, Cricket Ireland's head of sport science, physiotherapy, and medical services, stated that Little would remain in Dublin to complete a course of rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and bowling workload management in preparation for the IPL and a subsequent busy period of international cricket for Ireland.

Little, who was the second best wicket-taker in Twenty20 internationals during the 2022 season, became the first current Ireland international to earn an IPL contract after impressing in The Hundred in England. 

He is scheduled to play in three one-day internationals for Ireland in Bangladesh in the middle of March before traveling to the IPL.