West Indies spinner Gudakesh Motie has withdrawn from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026, after travel disruptions following the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup left him stranded in India for several days.
Motie had been signed by Lahore Qalandars in the league’s first-ever PSL auction but is now set to miss the upcoming season, which begins on March 26 in Lahore. The withdrawal comes amid lingering travel uncertainty caused by the West Asia conflict, which disrupted international flight routes and delayed the departure of several teams from India after the World Cup.
Travel disruption after T20 World Cup exit
The issue began after West Indies were eliminated from the T20 World Cup on March 1, forcing the team to remain in Kolkata for nearly 10 days due to airspace restrictions and logistical complications affecting global travel routes.
Players and support staff from both West Indies and South Africa were unable to leave immediately following the tournament, prompting the International Cricket Council (ICC) to coordinate a complex evacuation operation.
“Within the past 24 hours, South Africa’s remaining 29 members and the West Indies’ final 16 members have departed on flights to their respective homelands, bringing to a close a complex operation that has taken place under exceptionally challenging global travel conditions,” the ICC issued a statement on March 12.
“Throughout this period, the ICC’s operations and logistics teams have worked continuously with governments, airlines, charter providers, airport authorities and our Member boards to navigate a number of operational disruptions caused by the evolving environment. Securing safe onward travel for all remaining players and staff was our sole aim and required constant adjustments as conditions changed.”
The situation was further complicated by difficulties in arranging charter flights, forcing several players to depart in staggered groups on commercial and charter services days later.
Lahore Qalandars lose key overseas signing
Motie had been one of the notable overseas signings for Lahore Qalandars, who secured the left-arm spinner for PKR 1.10 crore (approx. $40,000) during the PSL auction.
While no official explanation has been publicly confirmed for his withdrawal, a report from ESPNcricinfo indicates that the extended travel delays and ongoing uncertainty around international transit routes likely played a role in his decision.
Motie was also the only West Indies player from the T20 World Cup squad who had secured a PSL contract, making him particularly affected by the travel disruptions tied to the tournament.
His absence will force Lahore Qalandars to adjust their squad shortly before the tournament begins.
Dunith Wellalage set to replace Motie
To fill the vacancy, the franchise is expected to sign Sri Lanka left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage as a replacement.
Wellalage is considered one of Sri Lanka’s most promising young all-rounders and could provide a like-for-like option in the Qalandars bowling attack.
The Sri Lankan spinner also impressed during the recent T20 World Cup, taking eight wickets in seven matches, while maintaining a strong economy rate.
If confirmed, Wellalage would join a Lahore squad that already includes Sri Lanka T20 captain Dasun Shanaka, another overseas signing secured for PKR 4.20 crore (approx. $150,000) during the auction.
Strong World Cup performances from both spinners
Motie entered PSL negotiations on the back of a solid T20 World Cup campaign for West Indies.
The left-arm spinner played all seven matches for his team, claiming 10 wickets at an average of 17.30 and maintaining an economy rate under eight runs per over.
His standout performances included a three-wicket haul against England and a 4/28 spell against Zimbabwe during the Super 8 stage.
Wellalage also impressed for Sri Lanka, including a notable 3/26 performance against England, though Sri Lanka ultimately fell short in that match.
Wider PSL and franchise concerns
Motie’s withdrawal highlights the broader ripple effects that geopolitical tensions and travel disruptions can have on global cricket leagues.
With the PSL and Indian Premier League taking place around the same time, player movement across tournaments and continents remains tightly scheduled, leaving little margin for unexpected travel delays.
For now, league organizers do not expect widespread disruptions, as most West Indies players affected by the travel delays were not signed by PSL franchises.
However, franchises will continue monitoring the situation closely as the PSL 2026 season approaches its March 26 opening in Lahore.
