Pietersen, Mills pull out of PSL final

Quetta Gladiators have been dealt a severe blow after reaching the Pakistan Super League final with most of their star overseas players pulling out of the summit clash to be held on March 5 in Lahore.

The English trio of Kevin Pietersen, Luke Wright and Tymal Mills tweeted their decisions shortly after their side clinched a thrilling one-run win over Peshawar Zalmi on Tuesday (February 28) to reach their second successive final. Even though Wright played only one game in the tournament, Pietersen and Mills have played a huge role in guiding their side to the final. While the 36-year-old veteran scored 241 runs at an average of 34, including a match-winning 22-ball 40 in the first qualifier, Mills picked up seven wickets in five matches at an economy of 7.25. "Unfortunately I will not be travelling to Lahore for the final but will be watching from home and cheering on the boys who I know will fight just as much as they have all tournament," Mills said in a tweet. Wright apologised for pulling out and had tweeted saying that 'a game of cricket is just not worth the risk'. Apart from these three, New Zealand bowling all-rounder Nathan McCullum has also pulled out of the final. He has not played a single game in the tournament for the franchise. South African batsman Rilee Rossouw though, is still unsure about his participation. He is the leading run-getter for his side this season with 255 runs. With Mahmudullah and Thisara Perera not available due to national duty, Quetta have been severely depleted now and will have to choose players from a list of 60 names that are willing to travel to Lahore for the final .