Islamabad United Change Their Squad 20 Days Before PSL 2026

Islamabad United [Source: X.com]

On Friday, Islamabad United announced one addition to their squad ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2026). The tournament is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3. Notably, the announcement was made on March 6 through the franchise’s official social media accounts. The team confirmed the signing of a major star in the domestic circuit.

Meanwhile, the franchise had already strengthened its squad during the player auction held at the Expo Centre on February 11. 

Major signings by Islamabad United

During the auction, the three-time champions, Islamabad United, began the event strongly. The franchise secured all-rounder Faheem Ashraf for PKR 85 million after an intense bidding war. In addition, the team signed Mark Chapman, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, and Max Bryant.

The franchise also confirmed Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, and Haider Ali. These additions strengthened the team’s pace bowling options as well as its middle-order batting depth.

At the same time, the franchise made one change to its lineup. West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph was replaced with Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani.

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It is important to note that Shamar Joseph had been purchased at his base price of PKR 1.1 crore during the PSL auction. Soon after the deal, controversy appeared on social media. Joseph faced accusations of sexual misconduct from 2025. 

As a result, many fans expressed anger over the franchise’s decision to include him in the squad earlier.

Mohammad Faiq added to Islamabad United 

Notably, the franchise has signed Mohammad Faiq as a new addition to the squad. It is worth mentioning that Mohammad Faiq was earlier part of the Islamabad United squad. However, he did not play any matches during that time. Now, he is expected to make his debut in the upcoming PSL season.

Mohammad Faiq has strong experience in the domestic T20 format. He scored 443 runs in 12 matches. His average stands at 63.28, while his strike rate is 189.31. In addition, he has registered two half-centuries and two centuries in the format. 

Retained players in Islamabad United

Islamabad United also retained several important players. Captain Shadab Khan stayed in the platinum category. Pacer Salman Irshad remained in the gold category. Meanwhile, USA wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous was retained in the silver category. In addition, New Zealand batter Devon Conway joined the team as a direct signing. The franchise signed him for PKR 63 million.

PSL 2026 schedule

The 11th edition of the PSL will begin on March 26. The opening match will take place at Gaddafi Stadium. Defending champions Lahore Qalandars will face debut team Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen in the first game.

This season will also include two new teams: Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen. In another development, Multan Sultans have been purchased by a new owner. The new management changed the franchise location to Rawalpindi. Notably, the franchise will now compete as Pindiz in the PSL 2026.

Updated Islamabad United squad for PSL 11

Shadab Khan, Salman Irshad, Andries Gous, Devon Conway, Faheem Ashraf, Mehran Mumtaz, Max Bryant, Khurram Shahzad, Mark Chapman, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mir Hamza Sajjad, Sameer Minhas, Sameen Gul, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Dipendra Singh Airee, Blessing Muzarabbani and Mohammad Faiq

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