KARACHI: English wicket-keeper batsman Riki Wessels has joined Lahore Qalandars squad to replace injured Ryan ten Doeschate as the team's foreign players arrived in Karachi for Pakistan leg of PSL.
An official of Lahore Qalandars confirmed that Ryan ten Doeschate did not travel to Pakistan due to an injury while Wessels has joined the squad as a replacement player.
Qalandars has also confirmed the inclusion of Asela Gunaratne in the squad for Pakistan’s leg of the tournament.
The English wicket keeper batsman and Sri Lankan all rounder will replace Corey Andersen and Ryan ten Doeschate, respectively, in the team.
“Ryan ten Doeschate was unable to bowl following an injury he suffered during Lahore Qalandars game against Peshawar Zalmi in Abu Dhabi. Asela Gunaratane will arrive tomorrow morning to join Qalandars squad,” said Sameen Rana, the manager of Lahore Qalandars.
“Corey Andersen was not available for Pakistan’s leg of tournament. Riki Wessels has been included in his place as Qalandars were looking to have a wicket keeper batsman,” Rana, who’s also COO of the franchise, added.
He confirmed that Rikki has already joined the squad in Karachi.
The other players in Lahore’s squad have already arrived in Karachi and looking forward to the games ahead.
Lahore will play must-win game against Islamabad United in Karachi’s National Stadium on Saturday
Other foreign players who joined Qalandars squad on Friday include Sandeep Lamichhane, David Wiese, Hardus Viljoen and Anton Devcich.
New Zealand’s Anton Devcich said that he is excited to play in Karachi.
“This is my first time here and I’m looking forward to it,” he said at the arrival lounge of Karachi's Jinnah International Airport.
He hoped that the people in Karachi would support Qalandars in the same way as people of Lahore would have.
Meanwhile, the foreign coaching staff along with team mentor Haroon Lorgat also arrived in Karachi for PSL.