Nabi takes PSL leave for Asia Cup T20

Mohammad Nabi is set to leave the Pakistan Super League and link-up with the Afghanistan squad ahead of their Asia Cup T20 qualifier clash against United Arab Emirates in Fatullah on Friday.

Nabi, who made an unbeaten 12-ball 30, including a last-ball four to help Quetta Gladiators clinch a thriller against Lahore Qalandars in Dubai on Tuesday night, played eight matches for the franchise. The former Afghanistan captain and allrounder will be replaced by Nathan McCullum, the New Zealand offspinning allrounder, for the remainder of the tournament that concludes on February 24.

McCullum, who announced his plans to retire from international cricket at the end of the 2015-16 seasom, last played for New Zealand during the tour of Sri Lanka in August 2015. He has been a regular member for Otago, who finished runners-up in the domestic T20 competition, with McCullum finishing the tournament as the second-highest wicket-taker for his side.