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Picture Credit: Twitter

Pakistan star Fakhar Zaman who had been called for the ongoing Big Bash League as a replacement player for injured Englishman Tom Abell, will only play one game for Brisbane Heat due to a combination of Covid-19 issues and travel restrictions between states in Australia. The Pakistan Cricket Board has immediately called the batter from the BBL camp to be ready for the start of the PSL, which begins on January 28.

The Brisbane Heat franchise took to Twitter to express their disappointment on this decision. They mentioned,"Unfortunately the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed it had rescinded its permission for Fakhar to play our remaining games, along with all Pakistan players currently involved in the BBL, and summoned him to return immediately to prepare for the Pakistan Super League."

Further, the statement said, "We are disappointed that he won't be able to play for us and he is disappointed he won't have the opportunity to get some more games in for us. He asked us to thank the fans for their support and wish the team all the best for the remaining three games." The other two players called back to feature in the Pakistan Super League included Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan.

Check out the official statement here:

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman failed to impress on his Big Bash League (BBL) debut, while playing for Brisbane Heat against Melbourne Renegades on Thursday. The left-hander was dismissed after scoring three runs in eight balls. He was caught at long-on by Zak Evans on the bowling of Afghanistan spinner Zahir Khan.

It must be noted that Zaman will represent Lahore Qalandars in the upcoming seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The PSL games are to be played with strict COVID-19 protocols owing to the increase in cases due to the ongoing pandemic and threat of the Omicron variant.