Dinesh Chandimal Mohsin Naqvi Bevon Jacobs. Image Credits: AFP
The Pakistan Super League has once again found itself at the centre of controversy after one of its franchises, the Quetta Gladiators, fielded both a replacement player and the player he was meant to replace in the same playing XI.
This unusual situation has sparked widespread criticism across the cricketing world, as it appears to contradict established rules of the game.
While teams are allowed to bring in replacements due to injuries or unavoidable circumstances, it is generally understood that both the original player and the replacement cannot feature together in the same match, be it international cricket or any domestic league of Pakistan.
What Blunder Did Quetta Gladiators Make?
It happened back in April 16, when Bevon Jacobs left the Pakistan Super League in order to prepare for New Zealand’s upcoming white-ball series against Bangladesh. Jacobs was reportedly aiming to participate in the three-match T20I series scheduled to begin on April 27.
Following his departure, Quetta Gladiators announced Dinesh Chandimal as his replacement. Chandimal, a seasoned Sri Lankan international, was expected to step into the squad in place of Jacobs for the remainder of the tournament.
However, confusion erupted during Match 26 of the PSL, where Quetta Gladiators faced defending champions Lahore Qalandars. Ahead of the clash, the team sheet released by captain Saud Shakeel included both Bevon Jacobs and Dinesh Chandimal in the playing XI.
Gladiators' Playing XI Decison Slammed
This immediately raised eyebrows among fans, analysts, and cricket experts, as it suggested a possible breach of squad and match regulations.
The situation led to significant backlash online, with many questioning how a team could field both a replaced player and his substitute simultaneously.
Critics pointed out that such a move could provide an unfair advantage, especially in a league where teams are restricted in terms of overseas player quotas.
Typically, franchises are allowed a maximum of eight overseas players in their squad, and having both Bevon Jacobs and Dinesh Chandimal available appeared to push Quetta Gladiators beyond that limit, effectively giving them access to nine overseas options.
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Gladiators General Manager Explains Reason Behind Mess Up
Addressing the controversy, Quetta Gladiators’ general manager Nabeel Hashmi provided an explanation. He clarified that the decision to include both players was due to an unexpected health issue within the squad.
According to Hashmi, Tom Curran was unwell on match day and had to remain at the team hotel. As a result, the team management was forced to make last-minute adjustments to the playing XI.
Hashmi further explained that in this specific scenario, Chandimal was brought in as a replacement for Curran rather than Jacobs, which is why both Dinesh Chandimal and Bevon Jacobs featured in the lineup.
“Tom Curran was unwell and had to stay back in hotel. Chandimal came in for Tom in this particular match,” Hashmi said on X.
While this clarification attempts to justify the decision, it has done little to silence critics, many of whom continue to question whether the move adhered to PSL regulations.
Bevon Jacobs Manages To Thrash Qalandars
Meanwhile, in the match, Quetta Gladiators emerged victorious after Lahore Qalandars set a modest target of 139 runs. The Qalandars were bundled out early for 135, courtesy of efforts from Usman Tariq and Jahandad Khan.
In response, Quetta Gladiators’ batters Rilee Rossouw and Hasan Nawaz put together a crucial 104-run partnership to steer the chase.
Dinesh Chandimal was dismissed early for just 3 runs, but Bevon Jacobs, who was set to be replaced, played a sensational knock, scoring an unbeaten 64 off just 14 balls. He sealed the victory in style by hitting a six off the final ball against Haris Rauf.
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