PSL 2023: Sri Lanka Cricket Blocks NOC for Wanindu Hasaranga’s PSL 2023 Appearance

Sri Lanka’s renowned all-rounder, Wanindu Hasaranga, has been denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, thereby ruling him out of the eighth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Hasaranga, who was drafted in the platinum category by Quetta Gladiators for PSL 2023, was scheduled to join the team’s camp on Monday. Quetta Gladiators are reportedly exploring options for his replacement.

Media reports that Wanindu Hasaranga will not be part of the Pakistan Super League because he couldn't get NOC from Sri Lanka Cricket Board. He was supposed to join Quetta Gladiators.

Earlier, Kusal Mendis couldn't get NOC either. He was supposed to play for Lahore. #HBLPSL8

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) February 20, 2023

With a two-match Test series against New Zealand scheduled for next month, Hasaranga is expected to lead Sri Lanka’s spin attack and the Sri Lankan cricket board has requested that he play more first-class cricket prior to the tour.

With the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) final on the line, the upcoming Test series will be crucial for Sri Lanka in terms of their qualification scenario.

The first Test match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will take place from March 9 to 13 at the Hagley Oval Stadium in Christchurch, followed by the second Test at the Basin Reserve Stadium in Wellington from March 17 to 21.

Kusal Mendis, who was initially drafted by Lahore Qalandars, was denied a NOC by Sri Lanka Cricket. Later, the franchise opted to draft West Indies all-rounder Shai Hope as Mendis’ replacement.

Meanwhile, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, a hard-hitting wicket-keeper Lankan batter, has been granted permission to participate in PSL 2023 by the Sri Lanka Cricket Board. Currently, he is representing Peshawar Zalmi in the tournament.