AB de Villiers will miss the Pakistan leg of the Pakistan Super League for Lahore Qalandars due to a back injury.

According to ESPNcricinfo, De Villiers signed up for seven games in the UAE leg of the competition and two games in Lahore. The Lahore Qalandars confirmed that he has returned home due to a back injury.

The UAE leg ends on 5 March, before the last four group matches and the qualifiers and finals are held in Karachi from 9 March.

‘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,’ said De Villiers in a press release.

‘I hope to be a part of the 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.’

Sameen Rana, manager of Lahore Qalandars, issued a statement:  ‘It’s 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. Any update on a replacement, if any, will be communicated in due course.’

Photo: Pakistan Super League/Twitter