Ahead Of PSL6 Final, Zalmi’s Haider, Umaid Suspended

Peshawar Zalmi pair Haider Ali and Umaid Asif have been suspended from Pakistan Super League (PSL) season six final against Multan Sultans scheduled on Thursday 24^th June.

According to PCB’s (Pakistan Cricket Board) confirmation in a press release, the two cricketers violated the tournament’s Health and Safety Protocol by meeting people outside of their designated bio-secure bubble and unsuccessful in maintaining the set social distancing. They have admitted to charges as well.

After the incident, both the players were found with no interaction with any other squad members at any time and have been placed in isolation.

The incident took place on Wednesday with the decision made early Thursday morning by the Covid-19 Management of the Tournament. The panel included Barrister Salman Naseer (PCB, Chief Operating Officer) and Mr. Babar Hamid (HBL PSL 6 head and Director Commercial).

In the meantime, Haider Ali has also been suspended from the England and West Indies tours.

Head of the Selectors Muhammad Wasim by consulting captain Babar Azam and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq, has chosen Sohaib Maqsood as Haider Ali’s replacement for the two tours.

Sohaib Maqsood of Multan Sultans has been in stunning form in PSL 6 and has scored 363 runs in 11 matches with an average of 40.33 with a strike rate of only under 153.

Read more: Sultan's Victory Push Gladiators Out of PSL 2021

Till now, he has represented Pakistan in 26 ODIs and 20 T20Is, and his last T20I appearance was against New Zealand in Hamilton in January 2016.