KARACHI: Three-time Pakistan Super League (PSL) champions Islamabad United have added one player to their squad ahead of the 11th edition of the tournament, which is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3.
The franchise confirmed on Friday through its official social media platforms that top-order batter Mohammad Faiq has been signed for the upcoming season.
Faiq brings considerable domestic T20 experience, having scored 443 runs in 12 matches at an average of 63.28 and a strike rate of 189.31, including two centuries and two half-centuries. The right-handed batter was previously part of Islamabad United’s squad but did not feature in any matches and is now set to make his debut in the upcoming PSL edition.
Earlier, Islamabad United strengthened their squad during the PSL player auction held at the Expo Centre on February 11. The event marked the league’s first-ever auction, replacing the draft system that had been used for the first ten seasons since the PSL began in 2016.
Key players
During the auction, Islamabad United secured all-rounder Faheem Ashraf for PKR 85 million after an intense bidding process. The franchise also added Mark Chapman, Mohammad Wasim Jr and Max Bryant, while bringing in Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson and Haider Ali to reinforce their pace attack and middle-order options.
The team also made a change to its lineup by replacing West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph with Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani.
Several key players were retained, including captain Shadab Khan in the platinum category, Salman Irshad in gold and USA wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous in silver.
Additionally, New Zealand batter Devon Conway joined the squad as a direct signing for PKR 63 million.
The 11th edition of the PSL will begin on March 26, with defending champions Lahore Qalandars facing Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen in the opening match at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
