Islamabad United’s Road to PSL 2024 with Mike Hesson:
Islamabad United, the Thrill-Bringers of PSL, gears up for a reshaped Season in PSL 9.
As the Pakistan Super League (PSL) gears up for its ninth edition, all eyes are on Islamabad United, renowned for its dynamic and thrilling cricket. For PSL 2024, they’re shaking things up, both on the field and in the management. Stepping into a pivotal role, Mike Hesson, the former New Zealand head coach and Royal Challengers Bangalore’s team director, takes the helm as the new head coach, promising a fresh approach and strategy as he replaces Azhar Mehmood. Hesson brings extensive coaching experience from both international and franchise cricket to the table. The Islamabad United squad has commenced training sessions in preparation for the challenging task ahead in PSL 2024.
Changes in the Squad: Islamabad United’s Bold New Signings
Outgoings: Looking at the squad changes, Rehmanullah Gurbaz, Asif Ali, Paul Stirling, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Wasim Jnr, Abrar Ahmad, Sohaib Maqsood, Zeeshan Zamir, Hassan Nawaz, Moeen Ali, Mubasir Khan, Zafar Gohar, and Gus Atkinson have exited the Islamabad United squad.
Incomings: Meanwhile, Naseem Shah, Imad Wasim, Hunain Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Haider Ali, Obed McCoy, Shamyl Hussain, Ubaid Shah, Shahab Khan, Qasim Akram, Mathew Forde, Jordan Cox and Muhammad Wseem has been added to the squad.
The strategic inclusion of Naseem Shah and Imad Wasim by United’s management represents a significant and exciting refresh for the team, promising to enhance the stability and balance within the playing XI. This move is poised to energize the squad and elevate their performance.
In a surprising move, the team decided to select the Shah trio: Naseem Shah, Ubaid Shah, and Hunain Shah. Fans are well-acquainted with Naseem Shah’s prowess on the field in recent years, but his siblings are equally gifted, showcasing talent that mirrors their elder brother’s. Ubaid Shah, the youngest of the trio, recently made waves at the Under 19 Cricket World Cup 2024, representing the Pakistan U19 cricket team and impressing everyone with his outstanding bowling skills. Watching all three brothers together in the playing XI promises to be an enthralling experience.
Islamabad United PSL 2024 Squad:
Batsmen: Alex Hales, Colin Munro, Shamyl Hussain, Haider Ali, Muhammad Waseem*.
WK Batters: Azam Khan, Jorden Cox
All-Rounders: Shadab Khan (C), Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Ali Agha, Qasim Akram, Tom Curran.
Fast Bowlers: Naseem Shah, Tymal Mills, Ruman Raees, Matthew Forde, Shahab Khan, Ubaid Shah, Hunain Shah, Obed McCoy.
Note: UAE captain Muhammad Waseem has been added as the full replacement for Tom Curren.
Quest for Glory in PSL 9:
Islamabad United emerged as the champions during the inaugural season of the Pakistan Super League, marking their victory as the first-ever champions of the PSL.
It’s been a journey since Islamabad United, the two-time PSL champions, last savored the taste of ultimate victory – their most recent triumph dating back to 2018 under the shrewd leadership of Misbah Ul Haq. Remarkably, both titles were secured under Misbah’s captaincy. However, in the six years since, under the fiery captaincy of Shadab Khan, the team has shown promise yet consistently fallen just short of reclaiming their crown. Despite regularly reaching the playoffs, a finishing flourish has eluded them.
As we look ahead, the question on everyone’s lips is: Can Islamabad United break the 6-year drought and lift the trophy in PSL 9? We’re all ears for your thoughts and predictions.
Islamabad United PSL 9 Schedule:
- Vs Lahore Qalandars, at Lahore on Feb 17, Saturday (Night)
- Vs Multan Sultans, at Multan on Feb 20, Tuesday (Night)
- Vs Quetta Gladiators, at Lahore on Feb 22, Thursday (Night)
- Vs Peshawar Zalmi, at Lahore on Feb 26, Monday (Night)
- Vs Karachi Kings, at Karachi on Feb 28, Wednesday (Night)
- Vs Quetta Gladiators, at Rawalpindi on March 02, Saturday (Night)
- Vs Peshawar Zalmi, at Rawalpindi on March 04, Monday (Night)
- Vs Lahore Qalandars, at Rawalpindi on March 06, Wednesday (Night)
- Vs Karachi Kings, at Rawalpindi on March 07, Thursday (Night)
- Vs Multan Sultans, at Rawalpindi on March 10, Sunday (Day)
Night games are scheduled to start at 7:00 PM, and day games at 2:00 PM, all times are in accordance with Pakistan Standard Time. United will kick-start their campaign on February 17, facing off against the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Following this, they will travel to Multan, Lahore, and Karachi for their subsequent away games. Their journey culminates back in their stronghold, Rawalpindi, on March 2nd, where they will play their home games.
For the full PSL 2024 schedule and additional details about PSL 9, visit here.
