Alex Carey has pulled out of the 10th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), with Islamabad United confirming his absence just ahead of their opening match against Lahore Qalandars in Rawalpindi.
Carey had been enlisted as a partial replacement for South African batter Rassie van der Dussen, who was initially unavailable.
However, the Australian cricketer will now remain in his home country due to commitments in domestic cricket, as stated by the franchise’s management on Friday.
The announcement came only hours before Islamabad United, the defending champions, were set to begin their title defence.
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They are scheduled to take on Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in their first match of PSL 10.
With Carey not joining the squad, the team is now hopeful of van der Dussen’s return during the tournament, which the franchise has hinted could happen soon.
The 10th season of the PSL will feature six teams and 34 matches, running from April 11 to May 18. Four cities—Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Multan—will host the matches.
Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will stage 13 games, including the final and both Eliminators, while Rawalpindi will host 11, including the Qualifier. Karachi and Multan are set to host five matches each.
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The tournament schedule also includes three double-headers, with two on Saturdays and one on Labour Day, May 1.
Despite Carey’s withdrawal, Islamabad United’s squad remains strong, featuring notable names such as Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Imad Wasim, Colin Munro, and Jason Holder.
The team will aim to remain competitive and maintain momentum as they navigate the group stages of this milestone season.