KARACHI: Three-time champions Islamabad United on Friday announced a new addition to their squad ahead of the historic 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) scheduled to be held from March 26 to May 3.
The announcement was made on the franchise’s official social media handles, confirming the signing of top-order batsman Mohammad Faiq.
Faiq has solid experience in the domestic T20 format, scoring 443 runs in 12 matches at an average of 63.28 and a strike rate of 189.31, including two fifties and two centuries.
The right-handed batsman was earlier a part of Islamabad United but did not feature in any match. He is now set to make his debut in the upcoming edition of the tournament.
Meanwhile, the franchise bolstered its squad during the much-anticipated player auction held on February 11 at the Expo Center.
Instead of the traditional draft, the player selection process for the first 10 editions since the league’s inception in 2016, the marquee bid was the first of its kind in the league’s history.
Three-time champions Islamabad United opened proceedings by signing all-rounder Faheem Ashraf for PKR 85 million following an aggressive bidding war.
United also added Mark Chapman, Mohammed Wasim Jr and Max Bryant, while retaining Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson and Haider Ali to further strengthen both their pace resources and middle-order depth.
Meanwhile, the team made a change in their line-up, with West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph replaced by Zimbabwe’s Blessing Musarabani.
The team also retained several key players. Captain Shadab Khan was retained in the platinum category, while fast bowler Salman Irshad and American wicketkeeper-batsman Andreas Kause were retained in the gold and silver categories respectively.
New Zealand’s Devon Conway was also announced as a direct signing and was roped in by the franchise for PKR 63 million.
Notably, the 11th edition of PSL will begin on March 26, with the opening match between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and debutants Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Updated Islamabad United Squad:
Shadab Khan (PKR 7.00 Crore), Salman Irshad (PKR 1.2 Crore), Andries Ghose (PKR 1.4 Crore), Devon Conway (PKR 6.30 Crore), Faheem Ashraf (PKR 8.50 Crore), Mehran Mumtaz (PKR 1.2 Crore), Rs 1.2 Crore. crores), Khurram Shahjad (PKR 2.70 crore), Mark Chapman (PKR 7.00 crore), Mohammad Wasim Jr. (PKR 4.10 crore), Mir Hamza Sajjad (PKR 70 lakh), Samir Minhas (PKR 1.90 crore), Samsin 6, GPR. 1.10 crore), Imad Wasim (PKR 2.2 crore), Richard Gleeson (PKR 1.1 crore), Haider Ali (PKR 1.50 crore), Mohammad Hasnain (PKR 77.5 lakh), Dipendra Singh Airey (PKR 60 lakh) and Momadkai.
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