Islamabad United have got a major boost as explosive English opener Alex Hales has joined the squad ahead of the remaining Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight matches.
Hales had earlier pulled out of England’s tour to Bangladesh to ensure his presence for Islamabad United in PSL.
However, England pacer Tymal Mills won’t be joining the two-time PSL champions after suffering an injury during a training session. Mills was set to join Islamabad for the last five matches on February 27.
Islamabad also provided an update about Colin Munro, who was hit on the thumb during game against Qalandars. The franchise was fearing a possible fracture but scans conducted in Islamabad revealed that there is no fracture on top order batter’s thumb.
While he is expected to be fit and available for selection for remainder of the matches, the team management insists that they will assess his condition before the next game.
Meanwhile, youngster Zeeshan Zamir suffered a grade 1 quad tear during Islamabad United match vs Lahore Qalandars and the team management is monitoring his fitness. The youngster is likely to miss few more games before he is available for selection.
Islamabad are currently at third position in the points table with three wins after five matches.
The Shadab Khan-led unit’s next match is against Karachi Kings on Friday, March 3, at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.
Schedule of remaining PSL 8 matches
1 Mar - Peshawar Zalmi v Karachi Kings, Pindi Cricket Stadium
2 Mar - Lahore Qalandars v Quetta Gladiators, Gaddafi Stadium
3 Mar - Islamabad United v Karachi Kings, Pindi Cricket Stadium
4 Mar - Lahore Qalandars v Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium
5 Mar - Islamabad United v Quetta Gladiators, Pindi Cricket Stadium
6 Mar - Quetta Gladiators v Karachi Kings, Pindi Cricket Stadium
7 Mar - Peshawar Zalmi v Lahore Qalandars, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Islamabad United v Multan Sultans, Pindi Cricket Stadium
8 Mar – Pakistan Women’s League Exhibition Match 1, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Peshawar Zalmi v Quetta Gladiators, Pindi Cricket Stadium
9 Mar - Islamabad United v Lahore Qalandars, Pindi Cricket Stadium
10 Mar - Pakistan Women’s League Exhibition Match 2, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Peshawar Zalmi v Multan Sultans, Pindi Cricket Stadium
11 Mar - Pakistan Women’s League Exhibition Match 3, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Quetta Gladiators v Multan Sultans, Pindi Cricket Stadium
12 Mar - Islamabad United v Peshawar Zalmi, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Lahore Qalandars v Karachi Kings, Gaddafi Stadium
15 Mar - Qualifier (1 v 2), Gaddafi Stadium
16 Mar - Eliminator 1 (3 v 4), Gaddafi Stadium
17 Mar - Eliminator 2 (loser Qualifier v winner Eliminator 1), Gaddafi Stadium
19 Mar – Final, Gaddafi Stadium
Faizan Lakhani Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.