![Uncapped Pakistan Bowler Scripts PSL History [Source: AFP Photos]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1775132616916_salmanirshadshaheenafridi.jpg?type=hq)
Uncapped Pakistan Bowler Scripts PSL History [Source: AFP Photos]
Pakistan bowler Salman Irshad became the leading wicket-taker in PSL history among the uncapped players category. He achieved the milestone during the recent game between Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United.
The PSL 2026 match number 9 began with the Gladiators batting first. Saud Shakeel (42) and Shamyl Hussain (21) were off to a good start in the powerplay. However, Salman took charge to get the first breakthrough.
Salman Irshad Creates PSL History With 50 Wickets
That being said, Islamabad United’s fast bowler Salman Irshad bowled a delivery aimed at the stumps to Quetta Gladiators’ Shamyl Hussain, who tried to clip it towards the leg side.
But instead of hitting it cleanly, the ball took a leading edge, and it went high in the air toward cover point. Haider Ali, fielding at cover-point, reacted quickly, jumped and completed a sharp catch.
That marked the end of Hussain on 21 runs, and Irshad had his first wicket of the game. Interestingly, this dismissal also helped him script a unique PSL record.
With 50 wickets, Salman Irshad is the first ever uncapped bowler to reach that mark in PSL history. He is also the leading wicket-taker in the uncapped players category, leaving behind bowlers like Umaid Asif and Muhammad Ilyas.
Uncapped bowlers with most wickets in PSL
- 50 - Salman Irshad
- 48 - Umaid Asif
- 28 - Muhammad Ilyas
- 26 - Sameen Gul
That being said, Irshad’s breakthrough did help to slow down the Gladiators to an extent. But still, Quetta posted 183 runs on the board at the end of the first inning.
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Salman Irshad’s career so far
A right-arm medium fast bowler, Salman Irshad has built his reputation largely through global T20 leagues. Across PSL, BPL and CPL, he has over 80 wickets combined.
In PSL, specifically, he has picked up 50 wickets in 37 games at a 24.74 average and 9.50 economy.
As for first-class cricket, Salman Irshad has gotten only 3 opportunities. But he has played over 90 T20s, picking up 106 wickets at a 26.55 average.
Clearly, Irshad’s career trajectory has been more towards being a T20 specialist. However, despite being 30 years old, he has yet to get a national cap and represent Pakistan on the international stage.
Quetta Gladiators finish with a strong total
Coming back to the PSL 2026 game, Quetta Gladiators had a strong finish of 183/5. The innings was built around a commanding unbeaten 66 from Hassan Nawaz.
His partnership with Tom Curran proved decisive, adding valuable runs in the death overs after the side had slipped to 93/5. Saud Shakeel earlier led the foundation with 42 off 26 balls as an opener.
Meanwhile, Islamabad United kept the chase alive, reaching 82/2 in 9.5 overs and needing 102 runs from 61 balls at the Gaddafi Stadium. The innings began at a brisk pace, with the powerplay yielding 58 runs, setting a solid platform for the pursuit.
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