Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson pulls out of PSL 3

Australian pacer Mitchel Johnson has pulled out of the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League, citing personal reasons for doing so. 

Johnson has confirmed the news on Twitter, saying he would not be playing the matches for PSL 2018 for personal reasons and to be able to schedule himself for the tournaments "the way I feel works best for me". 

But sources privy to the matter had told Geo.tv that the Australian paceman, who was picked by Karachi Kings, informed PSL management that he needs rest before the Indian Premier League.

“Mitchel has informed the PSL that he needs some rest before the much attractive and lucrative Indian Premier League,” said one source.

The Australian fast bowler, who was in the platinum category of players for the PSL was picked by Karachi Kings after being demoted to the Diamond category for the third season of PSL.

Sources believe that Johnson was unhappy over being demoted from the platinum category to the diamond category of players.

“This can be one understandable reason that he wasn’t happy about his category. He might have come if he was in platinum,” said a source.

“Another reason was his unwelcoming relationship with Karachi Kings’ coach Mickey Arthur over an infamous homeworkgate scandal."

Johnson was one of four players suspended for the third Test of the 2013 tour of India along with Shane Watson, Usman Khawaja and James Pattinson.