Islamabad United await Dale Steyn's availability for starting matches
Excerpt: PSL 2020: Dale Steyn has been picked in South Africa squad, which casts a doubt on his scheduled appearances for Islamabad United
PSL team Islamabad United is still waiting on confirmation regarding Dale Steyn's availability in the initial matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after the South African fast bowler made a comeback to the Proteas squad, one year later.
Steyn was picked by Islamabad United as one of its platinum players in the PSL players draft last year as he was unlikely to be picked by South Africa at the time. However, he was named by South Africa in the squad for the T20I series against England.
While the series against England ends on 16th February, the Proteas are set to play Australia from February 21 and the Islamabad United management is waiting to know if Steyn will be selected for the series against Australia.
"We are waiting to hear from Cricket South Africa, let's see when they announce their squad, only then can we tell you if he's coming before the opening match or not," said a source in Islamabad United.
However, other players like Phil Salt, Colin Ingram and Luke Ronchi will arrive in Pakistan on February 15. Islamabad's local players will also assemble in Karachi on the same day as the former champions are scheduled to kick off their preparatory camp in Karachi from February 16th.
United will face Gladiators in the opening match of the PSL in Karachi on February 20. Meanwhile, Zalmi's West Indian player Daren Sammy and Multan Sultan's Ravi Boppara have already arrived in Pakistan while Multan Sultans' Head Coach Andy Flower has arrived in Lahore. South African Cricketer Imran Tahir will join Multan Sultans' squad in Pakistan on Friday night.
England's Dawid Malan and Moeen Ali will arrive in Pakistan on February 18 after the conclusion of England's T20I series against South Africa. Malan will join Islamabad United while Moeen Ali will join Multan Sultans. Foreign players of Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators are also set to arrive in Pakistan on Saturday evening. Zalmi's Tom Banton is expected to join the squad on weekend.
Comments