Former Australian pace spearhead – Mitchell Johnson, who was set to make his Pakistan Super League (PSL) debut in the next season of the T20 tournament, has pulled out of the competition, citing personal reasons. It was a big blow for the Karachi Kings ahead of the PSL 2018.

On Tuesday, Johnson has confirmed the news about his unavailability from the PSL 2018 on his official Twitter handle, saying “Yes I am making myself unavailable this PSL18 for personal reasons & also for me to schedule myself the way I feel works best for me this year for 20/20 tournaments. These are the only reasons for me not playing. I wish KK the best for the season.”

He is currently busy in playing the KFC Big Bash League (BBL) 2017-18, where Johnson is the joint second-highest wicket-taker for Perth Scorchers with seven wickets at an economy rate of 5.67.

Although, Johnson has pulled out of the PSL 2018, he will be available for the upcoming edition of the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL), as the fast-bowler is among 36 players who have listed their base price at the maximum of INR 2 crore (USD 315,000 approx) ahead of the IPL auction this month.

It is learned that the Australian pacer had informed PSL management that he needs rest before Indian T20 League and that’s why he is doing so. A source told Geo TV, “Mitchel has informed the PSL that he needs some rest before the much attractive and lucrative Indian Premier League.”

And it is also believed that Johnson was unhappy over being downgraded from the platinum category to the diamond category of players for the third edition of the PSL.

A source singed off by saying, “This can be one understandable reason that he wasn’t happy about his category. He might have come if he was in platinum. Another reason was his unwelcoming relationship with Karachi Kings’ coach Mickey Arthur over an infamous homework gate scandal.”