Motie Withdraws from PSL; Lahore Qalandars Eye Wellalage as Replacement

Gudakesh Motie is set to withdraw from the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after being signed by defending champions Lahore Qalandars. The West Indies left-arm spinner’s decision comes shortly after he managed to return home following travel disruptions after the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

The West Indies national cricket team were knocked out of the tournament on March 1 but remained stranded in Kolkata due to the ongoing West Asia crisis, which led to several airspaces being closed or operating under heavy restrictions. Players were only able to secure commercial flights back home over the past two days.

With Motie unavailable, Lahore Qalandars have reportedly moved quickly to secure a like-for-like replacement. The franchise is close to signing Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage.

The 23-year-old had an impressive campaign in the recent T20 World Cup, claiming eight wickets at an economy rate of 7.22—more than half a run better than Motie’s. Wellalage has also shown steady improvement with the bat, developing into a useful lower-middle-order contributor.

There are currently no signs that the travel disruptions following the World Cup will affect the availability of other West Indian players in the PSL. Motie was the only member of the West Indies World Cup squad signed by a PSL franchise this season. Although the South Africa national cricket team also faced delays returning home until the weekend, none of their World Cup players are part of the PSL.

The Lahore Qalandars enter the new season as defending champions, having won three of the last four PSL titles, including a thrilling final at Gaddafi Stadium last year. If confirmed, Wellalage will also reunite with his T20I captain Dasun Shanaka, who was picked up by the Qalandars during the player auction.

The PSL season is scheduled to begin on March 26, with Lahore Qalandars set to face new franchise Hyderabad Kingsmen in the tournament’s opening match.