PSL 2025: Litton Das Out with Thumb Injury, McDermott Joins

Synopsis

Karachi Kings' Litton Das is out of PSL 2025 due to a thumb injury sustained in training. Ben McDermott steps in as his replacement, marking his PSL debut. The Kings face additional challenges with Kane Williamson missing early matches for personal reasons. Peshawar Zalmi welcomes Ihsanullah back from injury.

Key Takeaways

Litton Das ruled out of PSL 2025 due to injury.
Ben McDermott replaces him, making his PSL debut.
Kane Williamson will miss initial matches for personal reasons.
Saad Baig steps in as temporary captain.
Ihsanullah returns to Peshawar Zalmi after injury layoff.

Karachi, April 12 (NationPress) The Karachi Kings have announced that Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das will miss the 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL) season due to a thumb injury he sustained during training on Saturday. This silver category signing was highly anticipated among Karachi's fans, but an unfortunate incident during practice has cut his campaign short before it started.

The franchise has officially confirmed that Australian wicketkeeper-batter Ben McDermott will step in as Litton’s replacement. This will mark McDermott’s inaugural appearance in the PSL, although he arrives with a wealth of T20 experience. Earlier this year, he played a crucial role in the Hobart Hurricanes’ historic Big Bash League (BBL) title win, boasting a strike rate close to 145 and contributing significantly to the final.

“It’s unfortunate that I can't participate in this tournament, especially since I was looking forward to it,” Litton expressed in a statement from the Karachi Kings. “Life can be unpredictable – just my bad luck,” he lamented.

The absence of the Bangladesh star is a significant setback for the Kings, who had counted on his experience and explosive batting at the top order to guide them towards the title.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Kane Williamson will also be absent during the first phase of the Karachi Kings' campaign due to personal commitments. He is expected to rejoin the squad after the Karachi leg concludes on April 21, meaning he will miss at least the first five matches.

In his absence, Saad Baig, currently leading Pakistan’s Under-19 team, has been appointed as a temporary substitute.

Meanwhile, Peshawar Zalmi has made headlines with a notable addition. Pace bowler Ihsanullah, who has been sidelined by a career-threatening elbow injury since 2023, is making a highly anticipated return to the PSL.

The injury, which was reportedly mishandled during his rehabilitation, had kept him out of both national and franchise matches for over a year. Ihsanullah will don the Zalmi jersey for their opening match against Quetta Gladiators this Saturday.