Peshawar Zalmi suffers major blow as Lungi Ngidi set to miss PSL 9

In a significant setback for Peshawar Zalmi, South African pacer Lungi Ngidi is likely to miss the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9 due to delays in obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Cricket South Africa. 

Ngidi's ongoing fitness concerns are cited as the cause behind the NOC delay. With the PSL 9 Draft already including Ngidi in Peshawar Zalmi's roster, the franchise may look for a replacement in the upcoming supplementary and replacement draft scheduled for January 29.

Afghanistan spin maestro, Rashid Khan also withdraws from the league due to cautious recovery from back surgery and has opened an opportunity for Shaheen Afridi-led Lahore Qalandars to secure a replacement in the same draft. 

Additionally, Qalandars and other franchises are making arrangements for temporary replacements for players like Dan Lawrence, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Kieron Pollard, Tim Seifert, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Tom Curran.

Franchises will name replacements for players who are either partially or fully unavailable across various categories, addressing the dynamic challenges faced by teams ahead of the PSL 9 season.