What's new

[PICTURES/VIDEOS] Islamabad United PSL 8 | Squad and Discussion Thread

Firebat

Firebat

PakPassion Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 19, 2015
Runs
15,745
After scraping into the playoffs in PSL 7, they were 1 match away from the final but ultimately fell short.

6.jpg

Can this ISLU squad go all the way?
 
A good squad. Would have liked a better oversees pacer than Farooqi. Sohaib Maqsood is the only pick I don't really agree with. Great that they have picked Rumman again.
 
Core is pretty much the same.

Hales superb of course.

The last I heard about Zeeshan was that he's struggling with injury.
 
Islamabad remain the best team and most exciting team to watch. Who knows if they will win or not but they have a very solid squad and full of talented young players too.

Hoping to see Abrar play a big role for them and I hope Hasan Nawaz gets to play some matches too.
 
Munro
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Hales
Sohaib Maqsood
Shadab Khan
Azam khan
Fahim Ashraf
Hassan ali
Wasim Jnr
Zeeshan Zameer
Fazal Haq Farooqi
 
World class team they will go hard from ball one.Hopefully Zameer stays fit he can bowl 140+
 
Nasty Naz said:
Islamabad remain the best team and most exciting team to watch. Who knows if they will win or not but they have a very solid squad and full of talented young players too.

Hoping to see Abrar play a big role for them and I hope Hasan Nawaz gets to play some matches too.
Click to expand...

I highly doubt Hassan Nawaz gets much games unless Maqsood sits out.
 
shamaan said:
Munro
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Hales
Sohaib Maqsood
Shadab Khan
Azam khan
Fahim Ashraf
Hassan ali
Wasim Jnr
Zeeshan Zameer
Fazal Haq Farooqi
Click to expand...

I'd swap in Moeen for one of the openers for an extra spin option.
 
It's a top heavy squad. Regardless.

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (F)(WK)
2. Alex Hales (F)
3. Shadab Khan (C)
4. Mubasir Khan
5. Moeen Ali (F)
6. Faheem Ashraf
7. Asif Ali
8. Hasan Ali
9. Mohammad Wasim Jr.
10. Fazalhaq Farooqi (F)
11. Zeeshan Zameer (E)

Wanted to give Stirling, Munro a chance. Think they needed better Pakistani incomings. Solid lower order batters.
 
Last edited:
Feel like they always pick a promising spinner who doesn’t get to play because Shadab is in the side. First zafar gohar and now abrar.

Abrar should be in a franchise where he is valued and given ample opportunities
 
Saj said:
The last I heard about Zeeshan was that he's struggling with injury.
Click to expand...

Yes but, some positive news from Azhar Mehmood. He mentioned in the draft that he had a side strain and then had the ankle issues which reoccurred. They sent him to UAE for rehab and as per Azhar he is now fully fit and pain free. Has just started shadow bowling and is expected to be fit before PSL 8.
 
Saeed Ajmal says Shadab fit for PSL8:

"Due to Shadab Khan playing in Australia, his performance graph in the World Cup is high"

"Injuries can happen at any time and anywhere; Shadab Khan has been groomed by playing Big Bash League (BBL)"
 
NcO8ndd.png
 
As per reports:

Islamabad United will pick partial replacements for Alex Hales, Moeen Ali, Garbaz, and Fazalhaq Farooqui
 
Isb United always comes as a packed team.

There issue is however gonna be the same. Because they play foreign battsman in the top order, as soon as one of them gets injured or they get called up for international cricket, this team ends up losing the tournament. They will have a great start, but when play offs would be near they willl lose and be kicked out
 
Supplementary and replacements picks on Wednesday (25 January 2023):

Islamabad United – Supplementary: Tom Curran and Zafar Gohar. Replacement: Gus Atkinson and Tymal Mills
 
All bowlers, which is interesting I guess.

But Tom Curran is a good pick as well as Gus Atkinson who is a good fast bowler.

Hoping Zafar Gohar gets to play.
 
Final squad:

Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Colin Munro, Paul Stirling, Alex Hales, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abrar Ahmed, Sohaib Maqsood, Rumman Raees, Zeeshan Zamir, Hassan Nawaz, Moeen Ali, Mubasir Khan, Tom Curran, Zafar Gohar

Gus Atkinson (partial replacement for Rahmanullah Gurbaz), Tymal Mills (partial replacement for Alex Hales)
 
Munro
Stirling
Hales if not avaliable hassan nawaz
Shadab
Azam Khan
Moeen Ali
Asif Ali
Wasim Jnr
Fahim Ashraf
Zeshan Zameer
Farooqi

Good team should get semi final.
 
Moeen Ali to withdraw from Pakistan Super League to focus on England ahead of World Cup

Moeen Ali will put country before club and is set to withdraw from the Pakistan Super League so that he can concentrate on playing in Bangladesh.

The England white-ball vice-captain has had the busiest of schedules over the winter playing 36 games of cricket across three formats already.

Starting off with a T20 series in Pakistan, the 35-year-old has criss-crossed the globe playing in Australia where he won the T20 World Cup, in Abu Dhabi in the T10, in the UAE playing the ILT20, before landing in South Africa for the current ODI series and it is taking its toll.

With the 50-over World Cup a priority for the centrally contracted all rounder, he knows the tour to Bangladesh for three ODIs and three T20s is a crucial staging post on the road to India.

And he wants to enjoy a brief couple of weeks at home before he is back on duty for England and continuing his form in the middle order.

Starring in the Pakistan Super League for Islamabad United before switching to Bangladesh would leave him in danger of cricketing burnout with another edition of the Indian Premier League with Chennai Super Kings to come.

Moeen picks up around £800,000 for his efforts in the IPL, while he was picked up in the PSL for around £40,000, so he will not be missing out on too much cash in the grand scheme of things by pulling out.

The Pakistan Super League is a tournament close to Moeen’s heart with his family’s Pakistani heritage, but he wants to give himself the best chance of helping England to back-to-back 50 over World Cups and something had to give.

England team-mate Alex Hales has gone the other way by committing to his £145,000 Islamabad United contract and will miss the tour of Bangladesh, but he is not an England contracted player and this deal makes up a large part of his annual salary.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/cri...sedgntp&cvid=34659e86dc50455f9445bf676ad0bd4c
 
Firebat said:
Moeen Ali to withdraw from Pakistan Super League to focus on England ahead of World Cup

Moeen Ali will put country before club and is set to withdraw from the Pakistan Super League so that he can concentrate on playing in Bangladesh.

The England white-ball vice-captain has had the busiest of schedules over the winter playing 36 games of cricket across three formats already.

Starting off with a T20 series in Pakistan, the 35-year-old has criss-crossed the globe playing in Australia where he won the T20 World Cup, in Abu Dhabi in the T10, in the UAE playing the ILT20, before landing in South Africa for the current ODI series and it is taking its toll.

With the 50-over World Cup a priority for the centrally contracted all rounder, he knows the tour to Bangladesh for three ODIs and three T20s is a crucial staging post on the road to India.

And he wants to enjoy a brief couple of weeks at home before he is back on duty for England and continuing his form in the middle order.

Starring in the Pakistan Super League for Islamabad United before switching to Bangladesh would leave him in danger of cricketing burnout with another edition of the Indian Premier League with Chennai Super Kings to come.

Moeen picks up around £800,000 for his efforts in the IPL, while he was picked up in the PSL for around £40,000, so he will not be missing out on too much cash in the grand scheme of things by pulling out.

The Pakistan Super League is a tournament close to Moeen’s heart with his family’s Pakistani heritage, but he wants to give himself the best chance of helping England to back-to-back 50 over World Cups and something had to give.

England team-mate Alex Hales has gone the other way by committing to his £145,000 Islamabad United contract and will miss the tour of Bangladesh, but he is not an England contracted player and this deal makes up a large part of his annual salary.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/cri...sedgntp&cvid=34659e86dc50455f9445bf676ad0bd4c
Click to expand...

What a stupid guy he is.

Why did he waste Islamabad's pick than? Should be fined
 
Many thanks to [MENTION=2016]Rana[/MENTION] for his excellent preview of the upcoming season

Azam-Khan-Collin-Munro-1.jpg


Islamabad United

Islamabad United has been playing BazBall before the term Bazball became a thing. They are very direct in their approach when it comes to batting, a clear plan of attacking throughout the innings with an aggressive batting line up and bowlers that can also add value with the bat. With an energetic captain in Shadab and an ultra-aggressive template, the United boys look ready once again to challenge for the PSL title. Unfortunately for them, their approach has not always seen them through in the must win games at the crucial junctures of the tournament in recent history. Can they make amends to this for this season?

The lineup of belligerent, attacking T20 batsman is abundant in the IU squad. Hales, Gurbaz, Munro, and Stirling all are capable of singlehandedly changing a game with the bat as the overseas options. This is also complemented well by the local power-hitters available to IU with Asif Ali, Sohaib Maqsood, Azam Khan and Faheem Ashraf who are all very capable to play strong and aggressive cricket in their local conditions. The bowling all-rounders Shadab Khan, Hassan Ali and Wasim jr are also no mugs with the bat either. United can undoubtedly pick game changers all the way through with their squad depth.

Whilst retaining or recalling the vast majority of their core set of players, the United camp have also made headlines by picking the emerging Pakistan talent Abrar Ahmed. The ‘mystery spinner’ has plenty of PSL experience with Zalmi and also now at Test level with Pakistan. What remains to be seen is how the established leg spinner Shadab Khan wants to use Abrar during his campaign and whether he is willing to use a playing spot on an extra spin bowler. Mubasir Khan is also starting to find confidence and has been blossoming in Pakistan’s domestic circuit, showing his ability to play attacking cricket with strong shots all around the park. Similarly for Mubasir, it remains to be seen how he will fit in to the XI and if he can be used in a highly powerful top and middle order. United have also done well to add variety to their pace options by picking the upcoming left arm seam bowler of Afghanistan, Fazlhaq Farooqi. The young Afghan has been landing T20 gigs across the globe after showing his potency of picking up wickets in the powerplay and restricting oppositions with decent economy. Islamabad United and Pakistan fans will also be hoping that Zeeshan Zameer is fully fit and available to play most matches for IU as the emerging player. Like Ihsanullah of KPK, Zameer is also a highly talented right arm fast bowler who has emerged through the ranks from Pakistan’s u19. He captured the imagination of Pakistan’s fans with the beautiful wicket delivery of Babar Azam last year.


Full Squad:

Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Colin Munro, Paul Stirling, Alex Hales, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abrar Ahmed, Sohaib Maqsood, Rumman Raees, Zeeshan Zamir, Hassan Nawaz, Mubasir Khan, Tom Curran, Zafar Gohar

Gus Atkinson (partial replacement for Rahmanullah Gurbaz), Tymal Mills (partial replacement for Alex Hales)
 
Islamabad United have drafted Rassie van der Dussen as Moeen Ali is not available until 14 March due to commitments with England
 
Rassie is a brilliant signing but he doesn't really fit into IU's philosophy something that does need a tinker with them having failed three times in a row in the playoffs. He can hopefully shephard the lineup when early wickets fall in high pressure games. IU's fast bowling has been quite expansive in last two seasons with Hasan, Wasim and Fahim all being too erratic and expansive. Tom Curran and Rumman are good choices as well.
 
Rassie is top signing but will it be interesting to see which four foreigners they pick.
 
They got russi, this team is again coming in as beast mode :))
 
BunnyRabbit said:
Rassie is a brilliant signing but he doesn't really fit into IU's philosophy something that does need a tinker with them having failed three times in a row in the playoffs. He can hopefully shephard the lineup when early wickets fall in high pressure games. IU's fast bowling has been quite expansive in last two seasons with Hasan, Wasim and Fahim all being too erratic and expansive. Tom Curran and Rumman are good choices as well.
Click to expand...

There issue is they have outsourced their top order batting. All of a sudden when their players pull out or get injured, they dont have any local batters to replace them. Last two seasons, we lost only because of our foreign players being injured or pulling out.

And yes, the pace bowling has become a concern as the team doesnt have a strike bowler. Fazalhaq is a good addition. Faheem is good as a third option but we need two pacers upfront that can attack or bring us back in games we losing. Hasan Ali and Waseem jr dont provide that
 
BunnyRabbit said:
Rassie is a brilliant signing but he doesn't really fit into IU's philosophy something that does need a tinker with them having failed three times in a row in the playoffs. He can hopefully shephard the lineup when early wickets fall in high pressure games. IU's fast bowling has been quite expansive in last two seasons with Hasan, Wasim and Fahim all being too erratic and expansive. Tom Curran and Rumman are good choices as well.
Click to expand...

Rassie is one of the cleanest hitters of a ball once he assesses the pitch and knows it’s a road. He is an older version of Harry Brook.

He won’t play selfishly like Kane or Babar would and will start tonking it as soon as he realises the pitch won’t cause him trouble. The pitches in Karachi and Multan are likely to be absolute roads
 
Major said:
There issue is they have outsourced their top order batting. All of a sudden when their players pull out or get injured, they dont have any local batters to replace them. Last two seasons, we lost only because of our foreign players being injured or pulling out.

And yes, the pace bowling has become a concern as the team doesnt have a strike bowler. Fazalhaq is a good addition. Faheem is good as a third option but we need two pacers upfront that can attack or bring us back in games we losing. Hasan Ali and Waseem jr dont provide that
Click to expand...

One thing for sure is he's going to be a much bigger upgrade to Liam Dawson in the top/middle order.

Let's hope Rumman regains his form, he is a very good run rate controller when in form. Hasan and Fahim both are loose canons and neither can open the bowling.

Stirling and Munro both have been out of form of late. Lets see who they really go in with.

I'd go with

Hales
Gurbaz
Munro
Rassie
Shadab
Asif
Fahim
Hasan
Mubasir/Abrar
Rumman
Zeeshan
 
Rana said:
Rassie is one of the cleanest hitters of a ball once he assesses the pitch and knows it’s a road. He is an older version of Harry Brook.

He won’t play selfishly like Kane or Babar would and will start tonking it as soon as he realises the pitch won’t cause him trouble. The pitches in Karachi and Multan are likely to be absolute roads
Click to expand...

which team u supporting rana jee
 
Major said:
There issue is they have outsourced their top order batting. All of a sudden when their players pull out or get injured, they dont have any local batters to replace them. Last two seasons, we lost only because of our foreign players being injured or pulling out.

And yes, the pace bowling has become a concern as the team doesnt have a strike bowler. Fazalhaq is a good addition. Faheem is good as a third option but we need two pacers upfront that can attack or bring us back in games we losing. Hasan Ali and Waseem jr dont provide that
Click to expand...

Zameer i think will open the bowling if he plays.
 
RVDD is such a great pick. IU picked him last season too but he was unavailable. Hoping he doesn't have availability issues and can play the full season this time.
 
Food doesn't taste the same ever since IU traded Ifti Mania for Azam Khan...one season ago
 
shamaan said:
I hope karachi come last :)
Click to expand...

They have 3 established T20 bowlers (Amir, Imad and Tahir)

They won’t be as rubbish as they were last year. Their batsman need to fire for them. Malik will be key
 
Rana said:
They have 3 established T20 bowlers (Amir, Imad and Tahir)

They won’t be as rubbish as they were last year. Their batsman need to fire for them. Malik will be key
Click to expand...

Let's waite and see :)
 
Islamabad United are the only side to win the HBL Pakistan Super League title twice. They were the inaugural winners in 2016 and recorded their second title win in 2018 when they defeated Peshawar Zalmi by three wickets in Karachi.

When the eighth edition of the HBL PSL kicks off, Islamabad United would be hoping to add Supernova Trophy to their cabinet. They begin their journey on 16 February against Karachi Kings at the latter’s home.

PCB Digital spoke to Azhar Mahmood, the head coach of Islamabad United, in the lead up to the tournament. He spoke about the depth in Islamabad United’s squad and the role of the data in the team selection.

How excited are you about the HBL PSL 8 being played in the four cities in Pakistan?

This HBL PSL is going to be very exciting as the teams will get to play in front of their home crowds. When I was with Multan Sultans and we played in Multan, the atmosphere was surreal. To play in front of your home crowd is a huge morale booster for any team and you will see the fan following getting a further boost in the upcoming season.

Whenever Islamabad [United] play in front of their home crowds [at the Pindi Cricket Stadium], we get an unbelievable response.

How satisfied are you with the line-up you have put together?

We have won the title twice and are eager to win the third. During retention and player draft, we focused on what brand of cricket we want to play and devised a formula accordingly. Our formula is to fill our top-order with foreign players, and this time we have tried to add more depth to it by keeping in mind who is available at what juncture of the tournament.

We have Sterlo [Paul Sterling], [Colin] Munro [at the top of the batting order] and in the lower order we have Tom Curran, Gus Atkinson.

In the spin all-round depth, we have Shadab Khan, Zafar Gohar, Moeen Ali, Mubasir Khan, who is an emerging player, and Abrar Ahmed, who we have seen can bat in the Tests.

Amongst the fast bowlers, we have Faheem Ashraf, Tom Curran, Gus Atkinson, who has the ability to bat, but not many have seen him yet, then we have Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim [Junior].

So, when we will jot down our line-up, we will have players who can bat till number 10, which perfectly suits our brand of cricket.

After the top three in batting, we have Azam Khan, one of the finest hitters, and Asif Ali, and we have brought in Sohaib Maqsood, who can replace any of these cricketers if they are injured or are unable to perform. In the absence of Alex Hales, we will be able to utilise Hasan Nawaz, a young exciting player who has had good domestic tournaments.

In bowling, we have Zeeshan Zameer, who is an emerging talent. Though he bowled only 15 balls in the last edition, but he made an impact. We worked on his fitness and he is fully fit now. Hopefully, he will do well for us this season.

To cover the left-arm fast bowling, we have brought back Rumman Raees, who can replace Fazal-e-Haq Farooqi, who is not available for the first few matches, and towards the end we will have Tymal Mills.

So we have had a look at all the pitches [where we will be playing] and conditions and then devised this squad.

It is very important that many things go in your favour to win a tournament of this nature – when you gain momentum and how you manage injuries. This is the best team in terms of selection. By having a look at the squad, you can see the depth and see how there are replacements available. We have tried to cover all the bases, but at the end of the day, it boils down to your execution on the day of the match.

Who are you banking on to win you matches?

Everyone in my team is a match winner. These players have the ability and skill and they have what it takes to win us matches … now it is upon me to get the match winning efforts from them. I have to make sure that they have the perfect environment in which they can thrive.

The execution of plans and decision-making under pressure are key in the T20 format. My method and philosophy is to play attacking cricket whether you are batting or bowling and there is a great emphasis on fielding. There is an element of luck in batting and bowling, but one’s attitude and body language define fielding, and you can change the game by how your field.

What is the role of data in your team selection?

I am a big believer in data. It can backfire sometimes, but selecting your side through it provides you an extra advantage. It provides you a complete picture regarding the conditions and how certain players can come into play. It also helps one to improve their players as you can work on why a bowler is leaking more runs in the death overs by checking what lengths he is bowling.

Data also helps you in the match-ups and in formulating a playing XI after having a closer look at the opposition, the conditions and the ground dimensions.

Who do you think has the chance of lifting the HBL PSL 8 trophy?

Though all teams look very good on paper, I would say Islamabad and Multan have the chance. Lahore have the one of the best bowling line up in the world when you add Rashid Khan to the attack.

One will have to do a lot of hard work and think out of the box to win matches in this tournament.
 
Last edited:
Wouldn't it be great if we had a purpose built stadium in Islamabad. But alas.

Overall we start nearly every PSL as one of the favourites and I think the big three this season being Multan Lahore and Islu..bhudday kings have a terrible squad and zalmi will be hit and miss...not sure about quetta they could surprise..
 
In the nets
Mubasir Khan

Bowling
Shadab Khan
Hasan Ali
Faheem Ashraf
Rumman Raees
Abrar Ahmed


<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 55.000%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/a4v2ua" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>
 
Have a feeling Abrar will be the player/ ‘find’ of the tournament this time
 
Tom Curran has arrived

<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 50%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/savs3z" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>
 
MenInG said:
Tom Curran has arrived

<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 50%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/savs3z" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>
Click to expand...

Full toss Curran in the house
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The trio of Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim jr and Shadab Khan today:<br><br>9 - 111 - 2<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL8?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL8</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSvIU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSvIU</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1627258175421382657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Fazalhaq Farooqi have joined the Islamabad United squad today.

4cd2a0b6-0898-4244-a691-125b899a7438.jpgf7aa3249-30a8-4ab3-a5bd-50395b1b98af.jpg
 
Immediate impact from the Afghan players.

Forget the data and match-ups which they keep on going on about, it's having good players who have game awareness that is key.
 
Player availability & Injury updates after 5 matches:

* Alex Hales has joined the team in Islamabad and is available for the rest of the PSL 8

* Tymal Mills has suffered a setback during his injury rehabilitation and thus will not be joining the Islamabad United squad in Pakistan for the PSL

* Zeeshan Zameer, who missed the start of the tournament with an injury, suffered a grade 1 quad tear during the match vs Lahore.

* Colin Munro also suffered a thumb injury during Islamabad United's fielding in Match 5. Scans have revealed no fracture to the thumb.

Zeeshan is expected to be fit before the end of the tournament. Munro's condition will be assessed prior to the match against Karachi Kings on Friday 3rd March.

* Mohammad Wasim has been suffering from flu but is expected to be healthy for the Pindi leg.
 
Islamabad United’s Rassie van der Dussen departs today.
 
Good news for Azam - he is needed for the Play-Offs

==

Azam Khan has sustained no fracture.

He is currently being monitored by the team doctor.
 
Player availability & injury updates:

1. Tom Curran suffered from an injury, hence he has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament.
2. Rassie van der Dussen has left the #ISLU squad for national duty.
3. Paul Stirling will be reporting for national duty as well upon the completion of the group stage.
4. Azam Khan is likely to be available for the playoffs. No fracture seen in X-Ray, his situation is being monitored by the team doctor.
 
Data, matchups sound good, but there are other factors that are more important that this lot need to factor in.
 
Their biggest issue they took last round game lightly. Had they beaten zalmi there they could have had 2 eliminator. Too over confident in the end caught up with them. Also, why play Hasan Ali failure when Ruman Raees did so well earlier.
 
Long, hard look needed at themselves.

Friendships first or success.

They talk a good game, but rarely deliver.
 
Saj said:
Long, hard look needed at themselves.

Friendships first or success.

They talk a good game, but rarely deliver.
Click to expand...

They have the basic components of a champion squad, barring a couple of key components:

They haven’t had a contributing emerging player for two seasons now. They need to address that as a priority next year.

They need a strike bowler. One of their key picks next year needs to be the next local fast bowling prospect. This’ll give their attack some teeth.

They also need to trade Hasan Ali away. The lad isn’t the player he used to be, and could do with a move to a new franchise.
 
KingOfPakBreakfast said:
They have the basic components of a champion squad, barring a couple of key components:

They haven’t had a contributing emerging player for two seasons now. They need to address that as a priority next year.

They need a strike bowler. One of their key picks next year needs to be the next local fast bowling prospect. This’ll give their attack some teeth.

They also need to trade Hasan Ali away. The lad isn’t the player he used to be, and could do with a move to a new franchise.
Click to expand...

I think they missed Zameer he would have been first pick If he was fit.Also their was no need to pick a Pakistani opener when you already have several overseas pick who can do that job.
 
Also they wasted abrar as a pick hardly got any game. He could have played more had he been in another franchise.
 
7sins said:
Top coach good option
Click to expand...

Lahore, [8th November 2023] - Islamabad United, the most successful HBL PSL franchise; and winner of the first and third editions of the tournament; is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Hesson as the new Head Coach of Islamabad United. With an exceptional track record in international cricket and a reputation for strategic leadership, Hesson brings unparalleled excellence and experience to the team.

Hesson's illustrious career includes a successful tenure as the longest serving Head Coach of the New Zealand national cricket team, where he played a pivotal role in transforming the nation into a formidable cricketing force. His collaboration with the legendary Brendon McCullum led to an era of aggressive, fearless cricket that captivated fans worldwide. Hesson's calm and superb man-management abilities were instrumental in fostering a strong team culture and extracting the best from his players.

Furthermore, Hesson's recent stint as the Director of Cricket Operations at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) from 2019-2023, showcased his adeptness in managing a star- studded squad and implementing effective strategies on the field. His innovative approach and focus on player development contributed to RCB's consistent performances in the tournament.

Upon announcing Mike Hesson as the Head Coach, Ali Naqvi, the owner of Islamabad United expressed his excitement, stating, "We are thrilled to bring in a globally accomplished and premier name like Mike Hesson to Islamabad United. His rich history in coaching and his exceptional work with New Zealand and RCB make him the ideal choice to lead our team. Hesson's coaching philosophy aligns closely with the values and ambitions of Islamabad United, and we are confident that his expertise will take our team to new heights.”

Mike Hesson himself expressed his enthusiasm about joining Islamabad United, saying, "I have heard a great deal about the quality of cricket in the PSL, and I am delighted to be a part of Islamabad United. The professional, modern, and dimaghse (mindful) approach associated with the franchise resonates strongly with me. I am also impressed with ISLU's strategy built around the principle of 4 Es – Excellence, Empowerment, Education and Environment. I look forward to working with the talented players and staff to build a successful team and deliver exciting cricket to the fans."
 
think iu should replace shadab as captain. the trio of fahim, hasan and wasim jr haven't done much in last 2 seasons and are pretty one dimensional in what they offer. Hesson doesn't like having similar kind of players in the same eleven. fazalhaq farooqi turned out to be a pretty poor pick
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

The Bald Eagle
[PICTURE] Islamabad United PSL 10 | Squad and Discussion Thread
2 3
Replies
162
Views
6K
RidiculousMan
RidiculousMan
The Bald Eagle
[PICTURES/VIDEOS] Lahore Qalandars PSL 10 | Squad and Discussion Thread
Replies
73
Views
3K
BouncerGuy
BouncerGuy
The Bald Eagle
[PICTURE] Quetta Gladiators PSL 10 | Squad and Discussion Thread
2
Replies
142
Views
6K
Ball Blazer
Ball Blazer
BouncerGuy
Perth Scorchers (114/8) defeat Pakistan Shaheens (111) by 2 wickets in match 8 of the Top End T20 Series
Replies
30
Views
923
RedwoodOriginal
RedwoodOriginal
Ball Blazer
Lahore Qalandars (204/4) defeat Quetta Gladiators (201/9) in a thrilling contest by 6 wickets to clinch their third PSL title
4 5 6
Replies
469
Views
10K
Savak
Savak
Back
Top