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PSL 8: Islamabad United not allowed to practice in Rawalpindi

Shadab Khan-led unit’s first match is against Karachi on February 16

February 10, 2023

Islamabad’s players will arrive in Karachi for training later today — PCB

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Islamabad United won’t be able to practice at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, ahead of season eight of the tournament.

According to sources, United wanted to hold some practice sessions on their home turf but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) denied their request due to security and logistical reasons.

Islamabad’s players will arrive in Karachi for training later today. However, the United contingent won’t included captain Shadab Khan — who will join the camp a day later due to his wedding.

Apart from Multan Sultans and Lahore Qalandars, who will play the opening match of PSL on February 13 in Multan, all other teams are practicing in Karachi ahead of the event.

Islamabad United will play their first match against Karachi Kings at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi on February 16.

After being knocked out in Eliminator 2 of PSL 7, United would be looking to go one step further and lift the trophy this season.

The closing ceremony and final of PSL will be played on March 19 in Lahore, which will also host play-offs.

Lahore Qalandars will attempt to become the first side to win back-to-back titles; meanwhile Islamabad United will aim to become the most successful side by lifting the trophy thrice.

Rawalpindi will stage 11 fixtures, Karachi and Lahore will host nine matches each, whereas Multan will have five home games.

Islamabad United Squad

Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Colin Munro, Paul Stirling, Alex Hales, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abrar Ahmed, Sohaib Maqsood, Rumman Raees, Zeeshan Zamir, Hassan Nawaz, Moeen Ali (available from March 14), Mubasir Khan, Tom Curran, Zafar Gohar, Gus Atkinson (partial replacement for Rahmanullah Gurbaz), Tymal Mills (partial replacement for Alex Hales), Rassie van der Dussen (partial replacement for Moeen Ali)