Mohammad Nabi ruled out of Melbourne Renegades’ BBL semi-final due to international duties

Melbourne Renegades’ championship hopes have taken a hit after Afghanistan pulled Mohammad Nabi out of the Big Bash League and even worse, the club can’t sign a new international to replace him for the semi-final against Sydney Sixers.

Mohammad Nabi has been summoned to India by the Afghanistan Cricket Board. Picture: Getty

Melbourne Renegades’ championship hopes have been rocked by Afghanistan pulling Mohammad Nabi out of the Big Bash League.

Nabi has been summoned to India where his country will face Ireland, ruling him out of Friday night’s semi-final against Sydney Sixers.

The international series begins with a Twenty20 on February 21 — four days after the BBL final — but the Afghanistan Cricket Board wants Nabi to help prepare the squad.

Renegades are unable to sign a new international as cover.

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Mohammad Nabi has been summoned to India by the Afghanistan Cricket Board. Picture: Getty

BBL rules state imports must play at least one home-and-away match to qualify for finals.

Pakistan quick Usman Shinwari would be eligible after playing the first seven BBL games for the Renegades before joining his country in South Africa.

But Shinwari is expected to head straight to the Pakistan Super League.

“We’re disappointed to lose a player on the eve of the finals series but we understand the rules around international call ups and know there can be some unpredictability around when players are called into camp,” Renegades coach Andrew McDonald said.

“Nabi has been a valuable contributor throughout the season and his skills with bat and ball as well as leadership abilities will be missed.

Cameron White could return for the Renegades and replace Nabi.

“We are proud of the way we have been able to cover the absence of key players throughout the season and we’re confident in the depth of our squad.

“There is now an exciting opportunity for someone to come into the team and play an important role for us.”

Veteran Cameron White appears likely to replace Nabi if given the green light to return from a hamstring strain.

Nabi scored 228 runs (No.3 at the Gades) this summer and took eight wickets, behind only Kane Richardson, Dan Christian and Cam Boyce.

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Originally published as Mohammad Nabi ruled out of Melbourne Renegades’ BBL semi-final due to international duties