The decision by the New Zealand government to tighten their border controls amid the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the decision
Karachi Kings bowler Mitchell McClenaghan has pulled out of the remainder of the Pakistan Super League.
The New Zealand government will require all incoming travellers to self-isolate for 14 days from midnight on Sunday.
Thirty-three-year-old McClenaghan has therefore opted to return home. He will be absent from Kings' final group match against Quetta Gladiators and the semi-final against Lahore Qalandars.
McClenaghan will also miss the final if Imad Wasim's side make it.
In just one appearance in the competition, the Auckland man finished with figures of 0-14.
Thanks team - a lot of love for this franchise. Great people and hoping the boys go all the way - they deserve to be crowned kings 👑
— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) March 15, 2020
Thanks to all the fans and organisers and security who made the #PSL5 the success it was for everyone this year. https://t.co/DpTQnyZQa1
He becomes the 15th player to leave the competition after a raft of overseas stars opted to flee Pakistan amid the increased threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Islamabad United quartet Luke Ronchi, Dale Steyn, Dawid Malan and Colin Munro were the latest figures to join the group on Friday.
"Thanks team - a lot of love for this franchise," McClenaghan wrote on Twitter. "Great people and hoping the boys go all the way - they deserve to be crowned kings.
"Thanks to all the fans and organisers and security who made the PSL the success it was for everyone this year."