Somerset leg-spinner Max Waller has been signed by Pakistan Super League (PSL) outfit Quetta Gladiators on a short-term deal as cover for the injured Sunil Narine.
Narine was set to play a starring role for the Gladiators in the upcoming fourth edition of the PSL but the West Indies spinner injured his finger while playing in the recently concluded Bangladesh Super League (PSL).
The Windies ace is now set to miss the early part of his side’s PSL campaign, leading the Gladiators to rope in Waller as a cover.
“Obviously, you cannot get a like-for-like replacement of a big player like Narine but we have drafted Waller and we are confident that he will add value to our team,” Quetta coach Moin Khan stated.
“I’m extremely excited to be out in Dubai joining up with the Quetta Gladiators for the PSL. The opportunity presented itself due to a finger injury to Sunil Narine and I was then picked up as a replacement,” Waller told Somerset’s official website after being confirmed to participate in the PSL.
🚨📰 @SunilPNarine74 to miss start of @thePSLt20 2019
— Quetta Gladiators (@TeamQuetta) February 12, 2019
- Off-spin allrounder nursing a finger injury and participation in the tournament to be determined after seeking medical advice
- Somerset leg-spinner Max Waller drafted in as cover for Narine#PurpleForce #KaiKaiQuetta pic.twitter.com/R64CSMaw1D
“It is a great opportunity to show what I can do in a really strong competition and I’m really looking forward to it,” the wrist-spinner added.
30-year-old Waller has made a name for himself as a T20 specialist for Somerset over the years and has managed to pick up 111 wickets in as many matches in the format.
Led by Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed, Quetta Gladiators are bidding to win their maiden PSL title in four attempts. The franchise will open its campaign in the fourth edition of the PSL with a clash against Peshawar Zalmi on Friday at Dubai.