CSA instructs its players to skip HBL PSL 7 to focus on domestic cricket

Pakistan cricket has been dealt a huge blow as Cricket South Africa (CSA) has refused to send the Proteas players to participate in HBL PSL 7 due to domestic series commitment.

Due to the deteriorating Covid-19 situation, franchises were allowed to pick two additional players to their already existing 18-man squad. The Proteas players were supposed to be included in the mini-draft as franchises were allowed to select one foreign player from the additional two players.

Franchises were eagerly awaiting the HBL PSL mini-draft as the likes of South African players David Miller, Quinton de Kock, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen were all initially listed to choose from.

Read more: HBL PSL 7: Franchises set eyes on South African cricketers in mini-draft

However, with this latest development, PSL franchises can no longer opt to select any South African player as they will be featuring in ODI series against India. In addition to that, CSA has instructed the players to focus on 4-day domestic cricket instead of flying to Pakistan for the seventh edition of PSL.

South Africa are scheduled to play three ODI matches against India from January 19 to January 23 due to which international Proteas players have been asked to make themselves unavailable for the HBL PSL 7.

Sources have claimed that the franchises will now have to pick from the remaining players in the list that was drawn up for the first draft which took place on December 18.