Shamar Joseph has been bought by Peshawar Zalmi for the upcoming season following his starring role for the West Indies in their landmark victory in Australia.
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Zalmi have signed the 24-year-old fast-bowler as a replacement for Gus Atkinson, who was originally meant to join the squad for the entire season. However, Atkinson was named in England’s squad for their Test series in India, which clashes with the tournament. England will begin their last Test match on March 7, with the ninth edition of the PSL set to run from February 17 to March 18.
Joseph has shot to international attention following his seven-for in his debut Test series against Australia. His seven wickets in the final innings of the second Test gave West Indies their first Test victory in Australia since 1997. He also took a wicket with his first ball in international cricket in the previous Test, dismissing Steve Smith in Brisbane.
Having only started playing professional cricket a year ago, this is the latest of Joseph’s remarkable rise. He was bought by Guyana Amazon Warriors last year in the Caribbean Premier League, playing two games in the 2023 season without a wicket. Those are Joseph’s only two official T20s in his career so far, with another two List A matches to his name along with seven first class caps.
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Despite Joseph’s lack of experience, his impressive performances in the Australia Test matches have drawn praise from big names in West Indies and world cricket. Curtly Walsh labelled Joseph as having the potential to be “a force to be reckoned with in world cricket” while Ian Bishop also singled him out for praise.
Peshawar Zalmi haven’t won a PSL tournament since 2017, and were knocked out in the second Eliminator of last year’s competition. Their opening match of the 2024 season will be against Quetta Gladiators on February 18.
