Former South Africa captain is part of the Lahore Qalandars franchise

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has decided against visiting Pakistan, during the ongoing HBL Pakistan Super League, after failing to recover from a back injury.

De Villiers, who is part of the Lahore Qalandars franchise, won't be available for the eight scheduled matches of PSL4 in Karachi.

His original contract was only for 7 matches in UAE, which he has honoured. On the request of Lahore Qalandars and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), he had agreed to play two more games in Lahore.

It was initially decided that De Villiers will return to join the squad for Qalandars' final two league games but following a back injury, he has been advised rest by doctors.

“It’s a disappointing news for Lahore Qalandars management and its fans that AB de Villiers will not be able to make it for Pakistan’s leg of PSL but we wish him a speedy recover. He is a wonderful player and an amazing person,” Sameen Rana, the manager of Lahore Qalandars said in a statement.

Any update on replacement, if any, will be communicated in due course.

De Villiers said: "I am very disappointed that I will not be able to play in front of the passionate Pakistani cricket fans. I saw my doctor who has advised complete rest for two weeks and, unfortunately, that rules me out of the games in Karachi. I hope to be a part of the HBL PSL next year and very much hope to play my part in the return of international cricket to the country. I am backing Lahore Qalandars to go all the way and win the trophy this year."