![Shamar Joseph released by Islamabad United [Source: @ragav_x, @Sana_BabarArmy/x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1770892343692_ShamarJoseph(1).jpg?type=hq)
Shamar Joseph released by Islamabad United [Source: @ragav_x, @Sana_BabarArmy/x]
The Islamabad United franchise acquired West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph at the historic PSL 2026 auction on Wednesday, February 11. The franchise roped in the cricketer for a staggering sum of PKR 1.1 crore.
However, just a day after his PSL 2026 deal with Islamabad United, Shamar Joseph was released by the franchise. Islamabad United also deleted all their social media posts involving the 26-year-old tearaway paceman.
Islamabad United release Shamar Joseph
Guyana fast bowler Shamar Joseph was one of the 260 cricketers that went under the hammer on the day of the PSL 2026 auction in Lahore on February 11. While he was previously signed by the Peshawar Zalmi franchise as a partial replacement in PSL 2024 season a couple of years ago, the speedster could not feature in a single game for them.
In any case, Shamar Joseph attracted a lucrative bid worth PKR 1.1 crore to play for the Islamabad United franchise in PSL 2026. While the cricketer was primed to make his PSL debut this year, the 26-year-old was released by Islamabad United on February 12, i.e., just a day after acquiring him at the PSL 2026 auction.
It is worth noting that Joseph was released by Islamabad United after the franchise faced some intense pressure and backlash from fans in Pakistan.
Why did Islamabad United part ways with Shamar Joseph
Shamar Joseph was likely released by the Islamabad United in wake of the ongoing allegations levied against him. The cricketer has been accused of rape, harassment, sexual assault and unwanted advancement by several women, including his own teen cousin.
As per several reports in international media, Joseph was accused of sexual misconduct by 11 different women in Guyana by mid-2025.
Shamar Joseph stars in West Indies wins
Shamar Joseph is currently in India for the ongoing 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. In the two matches he has played so far, the cricketer has picked up two wickets, albeit at an impressive economy rate of just seven in some high-scoring surfaces.
In the match against Scotland at the Eden Gardens last week, Shamar Joseph picked up 1-26 as West Indies secured a comprehensive 35-run win. In the high-profile showdown against England at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, February 11, the speedster picked up another wicket.
His spell of 1-30 in four overs helped West Indies limit England to just 166 to register a 30-run win and maintain their unbeaten run in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
As of now, the West Indies team is placed on top of the Group C points table with two wins in two matches and with a formidable NRR of 1.625. Under the leadership of wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope, West Indies will now face Nepal in match number 25 of the tournament on February 15.
The match will be hosted by the Wankhede Stadium and the action will commence from 11:00 AM IST onwards.
