Shakib Al Hasan, the No. 1 all-rounder in the world, has been ruled out of the Pakistan Super League, the franchise-based T20 league starting in United Emirates today, due to his finger injury.

The Bangladesh all-rounder, who was supposed to play for the defending champions Peshawar Zalmi, was injured during the final of a tri-nation series last month. He was supposed to play only the initial few matches as he will be busy with the tri-nation Nidahas Trophy starting on March 6 in Sri Lanka.

"Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al-Hasan will not take part in PSL 2018 due to a hand injury. Sabbir Rahman from Bangladesh [has] joined Peshawar Zalmi as Shakib's partial cover," informed the league's official Twitter handle on Wednesday.

Sabbir will also only be available for the first few games, with English all-rounder Liam Dawson already engaged to cover for the rest of the league. Sabbir, along with Mahmudullah Riyad and Mustafiur Rahman who will feature for Quetta Gladiators and Lahore Qalanders respectively, have already reached Dubai on Wednesday.

Peshawar Zalmi's other Bangladeshi player, Tamim Iqbal, who was awaiting his visa, took the flight for Dubai last night and is expected to take part in the opening game of the tournament against Multan Sultans tonight.