Injured Russell ruled out of HBL PSL

DUBAI: Islamabad United, winners of the inaugural edition of HBL Pakistan Super League suffered a major blow on Tuesday when their West Indian star Andre Russell was ruled out of season 3 because of a hamstring injury.

Sources told ‘The News’ that Russell will need more than 15 days of rest and treatment which means that he will be unable to play any further rule in Islamabad’s title campaign in PSL.The 29-year-old Russell, who is set to represent Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, is expected to fly back home soon.

“His scans didn’t look good after which the doctors advised him to stay away from action,” a source told ‘The News’.“Islamabad will announce their replacement player once their request is approved,” the source added.

Russell played three games for Islamabad United in PSL 3 picking up four wickets and scoring 82 runs, including a last-ball six in super over against Lahore Qalandars in Sharjah last week.His exit is the second injury blow for Islamabad who saw their in-form pacer Rumman Raees stretchered off the ground last Wednesday after injuring his knee while trying to save a boundary against Quetta Gladiators.