![Australian pacer pulls out of PSL 2026 [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1773643744020_AustralianpacerpullsoutofPSL2026.jpg?type=hq)
Australian pacer pulls out of PSL 2026 [Source: AFP]
In the latest development, another player has pulled out of the PSL 2026 season, as the list continues to grow days before the marquee event commences. A few days earlier, it was the Zimbabwean player, Blessing Muzarabani, who quit the PSL to join the IPL, and now Australia’s Spencer Johnson has done the same.
Johnson was part of the Quetta Gladiators team for the PSL 2026 season, but at the last minute, he withdrew his name, citing personal reasons, as another big name has decided to ignore the T20 franchise competition in Pakistan.
The Gladiators were quick to react as they announced West Indian pacer, Alzarri Joseph, as his replacement in the squad. Interestingly, the left-arm pacer was picked in the top category by the Gladiators (Platinum) during the mega auction, but he pulled out of the league as the team made a panic buy by going after Joseph.
Also Read: Shaheen Afridi Puts Mustafizur Rahman's PSL Participation In Doubt After IPL Snub
Johnson joins several big names who have pulled out of PSL
Some of the big names in the cricketing fraternity have either rejected playing in the PSL or have pulled out of the league. England skipper, Harry Brook, was approached by the Lahore Qalandars to play for them in the league, but he rejected the offer.
Numerous Afghanistan player didn’t put their names forward due to the ongoing tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan. England seamer, Tymal Mills, and Namibian all-rounder, David Wiese also quit PSL due to personal reasons.
The latest entrant was Muzarabani, who was a part of the Islamabad United squad, but the pacer was given an offer by KKR to join them for IPL 2026, and he accepted the deal as the lanky pacer replaced Mustafizur Rahman in the squad.
Why Gladiators will miss Johnson's quality in PSL
A quality left-arm pacer is a rare commodity in world cricket at the moment, and Johnson is an exceptional left-arm pacer. What makes him special is his ability to swing the ball both ways, which makes him a dangerous bowler.
He also boasts a stellar T20 record, picking up 85 wickets in 71 matches, with an economy of just 7.94 runs per over. The Quetta Gladiators have signed Joseph as his replacement, and while the West Indian has the sheer pace to trouble the batters, he doesn’t possess the same wicket-taking ability as Johnson.
Will PCB punish Johnson for quitting PSL?
Reportedly, Mohsin Naqvi’s PCB is planning to file a legal case against Muzarabani for leaving the PSL at the last minute. They did the same against South Africa’s Corbin Bosch, last year, when the pacer left them to join the Mumbai Indians in the IPL.
Hence, expect the Australian pacer to meet the same fate at the hands of PCB. Last year, Bosch was banned by the PSL governing body for one-year, and Johnson could meet with the same fate as the league could bar him for participating in the PSL next year.
There is no update on whether PSL would take any legal action against him, but that is a possibility in the near future.
Also Read: Dwayne Bravo Joins CSK Despite Being Contracted With KKR
