Ireland’s Josh Little has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2023 Pakistan Super League (PSL) after he sustained a hamstring strain during his time playing in the recent SA20 franchise tournament.

The left-arm seamer had been set to play for the Multan Sultans in the PSL, which started last week, however, he has now returned home for treatment. It is hoped that following a course of rehab, he will be fit to take part in the upcoming one-day international series in Bangladesh and the Indian Premier League (IPL) in March.

“Josh reported experiencing some tightness in his hamstring towards the end of his time in the SA20 League. After reporting this to medical staff at Pretoria Capitals, he was sent for an ultrasound scan that was inconclusive. Out of an abundance of caution, Josh decided to return home for further tests and treatment with the Cricket Ireland medical team,” Mark Rausa, Head of Sport Science, Physiotherapy and Medical Services for Cricket Ireland, said.

“An MRI scan showed no significant injury in the hamstring, but he will remain in Dublin to complete a course of rehab, strength and conditioning and bowling workload management in preparation for the Indian Premier League (IPL) beginning the end of March, and a subsequent busy period of International cricket for Ireland. Due to this, he will therefore not take any part in the Pakistan Super League as originally planned.”

The Dubliner was the first Irish cricketer to be picked to play in the IPL after he was selected by the defending champion Gujarat Titans in the draft last December.