LAHORE: Islamabad United has been the most consistent side in the short history of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The 2020 edition was a rare blip on the radar when they finished last in the competition.
The team management has spent time trying to revive the two-time champion side. Islamabad is looking forward to the presence of a rejuvenated and fit-again Hasan Ali who is expected to inject life into the side.
Hasan has been in the best form of his career since his re-entry on the big stage. This has been the comeback season for Hasan as he fought his way up by first playing the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy which prompted his national recall. He picked a ten-wicket haul in the Rawalpindi Test against the visiting South African side and then struck a winning six to seal the T20I series at Lahore.
His inclusion has meant Islamabad now has united the group of friends namely captain Shadab Khan, all-rounder Faheem Ashraf and Hasan. Both players are currently in the form of their lives, and Shadab will like to regain his touch and play a huge part in the fresh start.
This year, Islamabad also has a new coach in South Africa’s former all-rounder Johan Botha. He has replaced current Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq. It is worth noting that Islamabad won two titles under the late Australian batsman Dean Jones before he joined Karachi Kings last year.
Among the big pullouts for the side has been that of New Zealand’s Colin Munro, who has had to exit because of the quarantine policy of his country. Munro has been a much sought after player in the T20 leagues around the world because of his clean hitting.
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It could turn out to be a blessing in disguise as leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed from Australia has replaced Munro and that can address some bowling problems of last year. Fawad has been a consistent performer for Quetta Gladiators in the previous editions of the tournament.
Another late recruit to the side has been United States fast bowler Ali Khan who can be a surprise package with his pace and accuracy. Musa Khan, Pakistan’s young tearaway, is also in the squad and can be expected to strike with the ball. Musa is targeting a return to the Pakistan squad. He rose to prominence with his performances in the 2019 edition for the Islamabad franchise.
Lewis Gregory, who played for Peshawar Zalmi last year, will also be keen to make a mark as an all-rounder in the T20 format because he is very well suited to score quickly and get useful wickets. The batting line-up has been restructured with the inclusion of England top-order star Alex Hales, who was traded from Karachi Kings, in place of Colin Ingram.
Hales is keen to make a return to the England line-up considering there is the showpiece ICC Twenty20 World Cup scheduled for later this year. Another Englishman Phil Salt is also keen to make a mark after his successful returns in last year’s Twenty20 Blast.
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Among local players, Iftikhar Ahmed is back with the franchise after playing for Karachi Kings. Hussain Talat and Iftikhar did not have spectacular performances against South Africa in the T20I series, but both cricketers have immense potential and will want to show their talents to the national selectors and fans.
Asif Ali been consistent with his performances for Islamabad but there is scope for more. Islamabad can count upon Ashraf, Asif and Zafar Gohar to make the most of the end overs.
A player to watch out for will be former Pakistan U19 captain and reserve wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir who will be seen in action this year. He was a success of the recent Pakistan Shaheens’ tour of New Zealand and is very close to playing for Pakistan.
His under-19 teammate Haider Ali has already done so, which means Nazir has a lot to look forward to this season. Besides Shadab and Fawad, Gohar and Ahmed Safi Abdullah form a formidable spin attack.
Also watch out for teenage pacer Wasim Khan Junior who is an emerging player for United, having impressed one and all with his pace, wicket-taking ability and the six-hitting prowess which he displayed in the recently concluded domestic season where he represented Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
