This time, the CPL clashed with Pakistan's two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home, where Ayub opened the batting for his team, and will also overlap with the Champions One-Day Cup, a new version of Pakistan's domestic 50-over competition. Ayub is set to play for Panthers in that tournament.

Moeen's availability for Amazon Warriors is subject to Birmingham Bears' progression in the T20 Blast in the UK, which is also clashing with the CPL. If Bears win the quarter-final against Gloucestershire on Friday, they will reach the Finals Day on September 14.

Gurbaz will return for the last leg of the CPL in Guyana, with Robinson making way for him.

In the absence of Ayub, Amazon Warriors had Gudakesh Motie opening the batting in their opening game of the season and then Kevin Sinclair in their second game. Even during the last season, Amazon Warriors had promoted pinch-hitters to the top - Keemo Paul, for example, opened the batting in the final - but the signings of Moeen and Robinson gives them the option of using proper batters at the top.

Amazon Warriors have made a bright start to their defence, winning both their games so far.