The Islamabad United team has been one of the most entertaining and successful teams in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Renowned for their powerhouse batting and aggressive play, the team consistently showcases their prowess on the field. Islamabad’s strategy often revolves around nurturing young talents, with most players under 30 years old.
Under the leadership of the dynamic captain, Shadab Khan, known for his lethal googlies and powerful hitting, Islamabad aims to reclaim the PSL title. After a long absence from championship glory, the team is determined to return to champions this year after winning its last tournament in 2018. This PSL 2024 Islamabad United preview examines whether Islamabad can clinch a third title, or whether another challenge will emerge.
PSL 2024 Islamabad United Preview
Islamabad United has always believed in aggressive cricket and backs young players. This time the squad is heavily reliant on power hitters of the the modern era. This year they brought Naseem Shah and Imad Wasim into their squad before the PSL-9 draft. Naseem and Imad are the two finest players of the shorter format of the game and always contribute to their team.
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With the addition of these two players Islamabad’s bowling attract is much stronger than some previous editions. Moreover, they also added Salman Ali Agha who will bring some calmness to their batting. Tymal Mills and young pace sensations Ubaid Shah, Hinain Shah and Matthew Forde are also to strengthen their bowling. The complete squad of Islamabad United is given below:
Islamabad United’s Squad for PSL 9:
Shadab Khan (C), Naseem Shah, Imad Wasim, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Alex Hales, Colin Munro, Rumman Raees, Tymal Mills, Matthew Forde, Salman Agha, Qasim Akram, Shahab Khan, Hunain Shah, Ubaid Shah, Shamyl Hussain, Jordan Cox, Haider Ali, Obed McCoy, Mohammad Waseem
Possible IX
Alex Hales, Jordan Cox, Colin Munro, Salman Agha, Imad Wasim, Shahab Khan, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Obed McCoy, Ubaid Shah
Last Tournament Performance
In PSL-8, held in February and March 2023, Islamabad United claimed the third position on the points table but lost to Peshawar Zalmi in the Eliminator round. Ultimately, United’s weak bowling attack dashed their hopes of advancing in the tournament. Fazalhaq Farooqi stood out as the top bowler for Islamabad United, picking up 11 wickets in six innings with a commendable economy rate of 7.89. However, the issue arose as they could not play complete matches due to national duty commitments.
Other bowlers such as Hassan Ali, Mohammad Waseem Jr., Shadab Khan, and Faheem Ashraf also contributed wickets, but they struggled with a high economy rate, ultimately costing the team.
The batting lineup of Islamabad has consistently proven to be their saviour, led by last year’s top run-scorer for the team, Colin Munro, who amassed 298 runs. Additionally, middle-order batsman Azam Khan contributed significantly with 282 runs, while Faheem Ashraf showcased power-hitting prowess in the lower order, scoring 215 runs.
Performance History
Islamabad United stands out as one of the most successful teams in Pakistan Super League history. Their first title came in the inaugural season of 2016, while their second title came in 2018. However, since then, the team, known for their red shirts, has failed to qualify even for the final of Pakistan’s biggest domestic tournament, PSL. Below is a detailed overview of their performance in each season.
| Season | Matches | Won | Lost | Status |
| PSL-1 | 11 | 7 | 4 | Winner |
| PSL-2 | 9 | 4 | 5 | Eliminator |
| PSL-3 | 12 | 9 | 3 | Winner |
| PSL-4 | 12 | 6 | 6 | Eliminator |
| PSL-5 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 6th |
| PSL-6 | 12 | 8 | 4 | Eliminator |
| PSL-7 | 12 | 5 | 7 | Eliminator |
| PSL-8 | 11 | 6 | 5 | Eliminator |
Top Performers
Top Batter
In the history of HBL PSL, Asif Ali and Luke Ronchi have been the top run-getters for Islamabad United. However, neither of them is a part of the current squad. Therefore, Colin Munro is poised to take the lead as the top scorer for Islamabad United.
Having played four seasons from 2020 to 2023, Munro amassed 996 runs in 29 matches, boasting an impressive average of 39.84 and a striking rate of 158.34. Renowned for his aggressive playing style, Munro is one of the hard-hitting batters for United. His tally of 55 sixes is second only to Asif Ali, who smashed 88 sixes for Islamabad United. Munro’s highest score of 90 not out of 36 balls came against Quetta Gladiators.
Top Wicket Taker
The former vice-captain of the Pakistan white-ball team, Shadab Khan, stands as the leading wicket-taker for Islamabad United. In 71 innings, Shadab has dismissed 77 batters with an average of 25.11 and an excellent economy rate of 7.53. His best figures of 5/28 came against the Quetta Gladiators in PSL-7.
Expectations this time
In the Pakistan Super League, Islamabad United consistently brings fresh energy and enthusiasm, embracing aggressive cricket as one of the key trends of modern cricket. The franchise has appointed Mike Hesson, a top-tier coach globally, to lead the team. With his arrival, the team anticipates new strategies, plans, and heightened energy. Moreover, with the inclusion of Naseem Shah and Imad Wasim, the team’s composition appears more stable and formidable on paper. This PSL season, Islamabad United is well-positioned to deliver and exceed their fans’ expectations.
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