Rawalpindiz release Naseem and Daryl Mitchell ahead of their final group stage game

Rawalpindiz have released two of their players, including pacer Naseem Shah and Daryl Mitchell, from their squad. Having already been eliminated after winning one of their nine games, Rawalpindiz will play their final group stage game on Sunday against Hyderabad Kingsmen. 

Naseem picks a quadriceps strain

The franchise confirmed that Naseem has sustained a low-grade quadriceps strain, due to which he has been released. The right-arm pacer, who was playing his first game after recovering from an earlier injury, was taken off the field after he hurt his left knee while fielding in the side’s previous fixture against Islamabad United.

"The team management confirms that fast bowler Naseem Shah has been released from the squad after sustaining a suspected quadriceps strain while fielding during a recent match," the franchise said in a statement.

"The medical team has assessed this as a low-grade quadriceps strain, and he will not be available to play the last game on 26th April.

"The franchise extends its full support to Naseem during this period and wishes him a swift and complete recovery."

Daryl to head back home

Additionally, the franchise also revealed that New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell will not be a part of the squad for the final game. Mitchell has been allowed to return home after picking up a right calf injury against Islamabad. 

"Pindiz confirm that all-rounder Daryl Mitchell has been released from the squad after sustaining a right calf injury during the match against Islamabad United on 23rd April," the statement read.

"Mitchell was monitored by the Pindiz medical staff following the match. After a thorough assessment, he was deemed unfit to continue participation in the HBL PSL 11," it added.

While Rawalpindiz are already eliminated, their game against Hyderabad Kingsmen will decide who gets the final playoffs berth. Currently, Lahore Qalandars are in fourth place and Hyderabad will require not only to defeat Rawalpindiz, but in a way that gets them a better Net Run Rate (NRR) than Lahore.

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