AB de Villiers ruled out of PSL

Former South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers has been ruled out of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) after sustaining a back injury.

De Villiers, captain of Lahore Qalanders, had signed to play seven games in the UAE and two matches in Lahore.

He returned to South Africa after the UAE matches and was supposed to fly to Pakistan. However, he has been ruled out for two weeks due to his injury.

"I am very disappointed that I'll not be able to play in front of the passionate Pakistani cricket fans," ICC quoted de Villiers, as saying.

"I saw my doctor who has advised complete rest for two weeks and, unfortunately, that rules me out of the games in [Pakistan]," he added.

De Villiers further backed his side and fourth placed on the points table, Lahore to lift the PSL trophy.

"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," he said.

The last four PSL group matches and the playoffs will take place in Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) earlier decided that all matches will be hosted in Karachi, beginning March 9.