As the anticipation for the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) reaches a crescendo, Peshawar Zalmi have thrown a curveball into the mix, adding an element of suspense and excitement. The stage is set for a thrilling season that kicks off on February 17 across four cities, and the recent developments have fans eagerly awaiting the action.
In a strategic move during the PSL 9 supplementary and replacement draft, Zalmi announced a series of replacements, setting the tone for an intriguing season. West Indies’ young and dynamic pacer, Shamar Joseph, emerged as a key addition to the squad, stepping into the shoes of Gus Atkinson, who was a partial replacement. The inclusion of Joseph adds a layer of mystery, considering the team’s earlier cryptic tweet by owner Javed Afridi.
Shamar Joseph set to play for Zalmi
Javed had set the cricketing world abuzz when he shared a jersey photo with the number 13, accompanied by the cryptic caption ‘what is happening.’ Known for his suspenseful tweets, Afridi left fans guessing, with many speculating that the number 13 represented the total wickets of Shamar Joseph during his debut Test series against Australia.
The suspense surrounding Afridi’s tweet turned into reality during the replacement draft as Joseph was officially introduced as part of the Peshawar squad. Joseph’s brilliance during the Test series against Australia, where he bagged six wickets in the first match and seven in the second, added to the excitement. The historic win in the second Test to level the series elevated Joseph to the limelight, making the 24-year-old pacer a standout addition to Zalmi.
In addition to the strategic addition of Joseph, Peshawar Zalmi announced other replacements during the draft. Waqar Salamkheil was drafted in the silver category as a replacement for Lungi Ngidi, who would be unavailable for the entire season. The fast bowler Khurram Shahzad’s partial availability prompted the selection of pacer Arshad Iqbal as his replacement in the silver category. Gus Atkinson, the replacement for Noor Ahmed, who is unavailable due to international commitments, will add depth to the squad.
The suspenseful twists and turns in Peshawar’s draft strategy, coupled with the intriguing addition of Shamar Joseph, set the stage for a captivating PSL 9. As fans brace themselves for the cricketing extravaganza, the team’s enigmatic moves and the arrival of exciting talents promise a season filled with suspense, surprises, and cricketing brilliance.
Also, see:
PSL 9: Fans raise voice for Ahmed Shehzad
