After weeks of speculation, it has been confirmed that Pakistani opener Saim Ayub will miss the 2024 edition of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League.
The left-hander was named as one of the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ retained overseas players in June.
Manager of the franchise Leon Johnson said Ayub will miss the entire tournament, as he has not been granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Cricket Board.
A replacement has not been named.
In his debut CPL last year, Ayub was a standout with the bat and a huge crowd favourite, playing a crucial role in the Warriors winning a maiden title.
He scored 478 runs at a strike rate of 142, finishing with the second-most runs in the tournament behind Warriors teammate Shai Hope (481).
Ayub also struck the winning six against Trinbago Knight Riders in the final, sparkling wild celebrations among fans at the National Stadium, Providence, as the Warriors lifted the title for the first time after finishing second-best on five previous occasions.
The 22-year-old played in the just concluded Pakistan versus Bangladesh Test series, scoring 56, 1, 58 and 20.
Pakistan lost both Test matches in Rawalpindi.
Warriors’ campaign
The Amazon Warriors started their title defence with a nail-biting last-ball win against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons with Dwaine Pretorius hitting a six off the final delivery bowled by Mohammad Amir.
Next up for the Warriors is a clash against St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots at Warner Park from 19:00h on Wednesday (September 4).
