![Islamabad United [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1776515609189_IslamabadUnitedDipendraSinghAireePSL.jpg?type=hq)
Islamabad United [Source: AFP]
Islamabad United have made a squad change ahead of the business end of Pakistan Super League 2026.
Pavan Rathnayake has been brought in as a replacement for Dipendra Singh Airee, who has left the tournament for international duty.
Airee heads home for national duty
Airee now has bigger fish to fry. The all-rounder will lead Nepal in a historic T20I series against UAE on April 20 and 21. This will be Nepal’s first men’s home internationals under floodlights.
That is a big moment, and Airee being handed the captaincy baton (replacing Rohit Paudel) makes it even more special. National duty calls, and when it does, franchise cricket takes a back seat.
He is expected to rejoin the Islamabad United squad once the international assignment wraps up, but for now, United needed a plug-and-play option.
Rathnayake walks in with momentum
Enter Rathnayake, a player who might not be a household name yet, but he is no rookie either. The Sri Lankan batter made serious noise in the T20 World Cup 2026 as he piled up 205 runs in 7 matches at a strike rate of 154.13, including two fifties.
He’s the kind of player who can come in, swing freely, and turn the tide in a matter of overs. And in T20 cricket, that is worth its weight in gold.
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Islamabad United steady but aiming higher
United’s campaign so far has been steady, not spectacular. Seven games, four wins, two losses, and one no result, they are sitting pretty in second place on the points table.
But in tournaments like the PSL, you don’t just want to cruise, you want to peak at the right time. Squad depth becomes the name of the game, and this move ticks that box.
Also worth noting, Airee hadn’t broken into the playing XI in the first seven games. So, from a tactical point of view, United aren’t exactly losing a nailed-on starter here.
What Rathnayake brings
Pavan Rathnayake is not just a T20 hitter. His numbers across formats show he can adapt and build innings when needed.
- 266 runs in T20Is at a strike rate of nearly 147
- ODI century already under his belt
- Over 4000 runs in First-Class cricket at an average of 51
He brings balance, someone who can anchor if needed and accelerate when the situation demands. Moreover, he has the technique of a red-ball player and the intent of a T20 hitter, which is a handy combo.
A smart like-for-like move
On paper, this might look like a routine replacement. But scratch a little deeper and you will see the bigger picture.
Dipendra Singh Airee gets a chance to lead his country in a landmark series. Rathnayake gets a golden opportunity to showcase his skills on a big franchise stage. And Islamabad United? They keep their campaign ticking without missing a beat.
Sometimes, it is not about making noise, it is about making the right move at the right time. And this feels like one of those.
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