Islamabad United will be without Alex Carey for PSL 2025 after the Australia wicketkeeper pulled out of the competition on Friday (April 11).
Carey had been signed by Islamabad United in the player replacement draft which was held on March 24, as a "partial replacement" for South African batter Rassie van der Dussen. The only other pick in that draft saw Peshawar Zalmi sign George Linde in place of compatriot Corbin Bosch.
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Why is Carey unavailable for PSL?
Today, hours before Islamabad play the PSL opener against Lahore Qalandars, the franchise announced that Carey will not be joining them for this season, saying he would be unavailable due to domestic commitments. A report in the Express Tribune also confirmed the same.
It is unclear at this point exactly what domestic engagement Carey has, though. Islamabad's mention of a final might suggest the Sheffield Shield final, which Carey played in, but he was drafted just two days ahead of that match beginning. It ended on March 29 – 13 days ago. Australia's domestic One-Day competition also ended on March 1, and the Big Bash League concluded on January 27.
Carey follows Bosch among PSL withdrawals
Carey is not the first player to exit this year's PSL. South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch pulled out after being picked by Peshawar Zalmi, to sign with Mumbai Indians in the IPL, which overlaps with the PSL this year. The PCB served Bosch with a legal notice, alleging breach of contract, before imposing a one-year ban.
His withdrawal notwithstanding, Carey's recent form with the bat has been excellent across formats. He has scored three centuries in seven first-class innings this calendar year, including one in the Sheffield Shield final to help South Australia to a first title in 29 years. His last three ODI innings have seen him notch up three 40-plus scores, and in the BBL, he scored 53 runs in three innings at a strike rate of nearly 190.
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