By Avenash Ramzan
Guyana Amazon Warriors opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz has left the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League to honour his obligations with the Afghanistan national side.
Afghanistan and South Africa are set to play a three-match ODI series from September 18-22 in Sharjah.
Guyana Amazon Warriors manager Leon Johnson confirmed to News Room on Wednesday that Gurbaz has departed for the upcoming series, rendering him unavailable for the defending champions’ next game against hosts Barbados Royals on Saturday, September 14, at Kensington Oval.
The flamboyant right-hander will rejoin the Warriors squad during the Guyana leg of the tournament on September 24.
The Guyana leg, which comprises the Warriors home games, playoff matches and grand final, will take place from September 20 to October 6 at the National Stadium, Providence.
New Zealand opener Tim Robinson, who made his CPL debut in the last match against St. Lucia Kings, will act as the temporary replacement for Gurbaz, while retired England all-rounder Moeen Ali is set to join the Warriors soon, as a replacement for Pakistan opener Saim Ayub, who will miss the entire tournament.
Gurbaz has played a significant role in the Warriors’ unbeaten run this season, scoring a team-high 136 runs in three innings at a phenomenal strike rate of 194.28.
He has also struck 15 sixes, the joint-most with Kyle Mayers of St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots.
The 22-year-old has scored 20 off 14 against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, 69 off 37 against Patriots and 47 off 19 against Kings in his three knocks this season, helping the Warriors to top of the points table.
Warriors fixtures
August 30- vs Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in Antigua (Warriors won by three wickets)
September 4- vs St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots in St. Kitts (Warriors won by 40 runs)
September 7- vs St. Lucia Kings in St. Lucia (Warriors won by six wickets)
September 14- vs Barbados Royals in Barbados
September 18- vs Trinbago Knight Riders in Trinidad
September 20- vs St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots in Guyana
September 21- vs Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in Guyana
September 25- vs Barbados Royals in Guyana
September 28- vs St. Lucia Kings in Guyana
September 29- vs Trinbago Knight Riders in Guyana