Pakistan Super League season 8 is just around the corner. Starting on 13 February with the much-anticipated encounter of Multan Sultans and the defending champions Lahore Qalandars in Multan Cricket Ground. It will be the first time Multan will host the opening ceremony and match. Fans are anticipated to watch this encounter between defending champions and the runner-up of last season. All teams are geared up for the event. Is Islamabad United chasing the crown this season? Read to find out their chances.

Islamabad United Chasing the Crown: 

Islamabad has been one of the most successful teams in the league’s history, winning two titles in the first three seasons. After a few seasons of underperformance, the team is determined to reclaim its throne and win the championship in the upcoming season 8.

With a solid mix of youth and experience, Islamabad United looks well-equipped to make a prominent mark in this edition of PSL.

Islamabad United is a top-performing team in the league, known for its winning ways. With two championship titles already, the team is well-positioned to go for a third this season. Led by captain Shadab Khan, Islamabad United had a successful draft, retaining key players like Asif Ali, Hasan Ali, and Faheem Ashraf while also adding exciting new talents like Zeeshan Zameer, Hassan Nawaz, Sohaib Maqsood, and Mubasir Khan. With this mix of experienced veterans and fresh talent, Islamabad United chasing the crown is very much right on the track.

We can expect a showcase of outstanding cricket in Islamabad United, featuring a powerful batting lineup of Colin Munro, Alex Hales, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and  Paul Stirling. With the addition of all-rounders like Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, and Mohammad Wasim Jnr, With such batting depth and this many bowling options, it would not be wrong to call Islamabad United the most balanced team of this season.

Full 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, Mubasir Khan, Tom Curran, Zafar Gohar, Gus Atkinson, Tymal Mills, Rassie van der Dussen.

Islamabad United’s Strengths and Weaknesses:

Top Bowlers:

Shadab Khan, the captain, and a versatile all-rounder have led the way in putting together a talented bowling attack. Each bowler brings unique skills to the table, but a few stand out for their experience and exceptional talent.

Shadab Khan

Shadab Khan, himself tops the list. He joined the franchise in PSL 2 and has been a key player for them since. As a leg spinner, he holds the record for the most T20I wickets since his debut and was the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup. With his deceptive googlies, he will aim to help lead his team to win the third title.

Hasan Ali

Hassan Ali has become one of the most sought-after bowlers in the PSL. He is out of form since the T20 world cup 2021. But If Hasan Ali performs to his potential, he can prove to be a nightmare for opposing batsmen.

Read; Top Foreign Players In PSL 2023 to Keep an Eye On

Top Batters

Alex Hales

The Englishman returns one more time to united. Hales is a brilliant mix of explosive hitting skills and the ability to anchor the inning when needed. He is considered one of the best T20 batsmen in the world. Hales scored  355 runs in 9 games last year.

Rassie van der Dussen

Rassie making his first appearance in PSL. He will be a key player for Islamabad, Van der Dussen is known for his attacking batting style, and his ability to score runs quickly has made him a valuable asset to any team he plays for. 

Colin Munro

As the only left-handed batter in the top order, his presence is crucial for creating the right-left batting combination that many teams use to disrupt the opposition’s strategy. Munro has a significant role to play in the team and his destructive batting ability is sure to make a big impact.

Top All-rounders

Faheem Ashraf

Faheem’s ability to hit big shots with the bat has made him a valuable asset for any franchise. He has been particularly impressive while playing for Islamabad United, as demonstrated in his performances over the years.

Muhammad Waseem

The speed star from Waziristan made his PSL debut in 2021. His rise ever since he appeared on the scene has been exceptional, starting from debuting for Pakistan National Team to making it to the T20 World Cup 2022 squad. Shadab Khan, the captain, would like to see him execute his precise yorkers.

Also Read:

PSL 2023 Schedule Revealed: Get ready for an action-packed cricket season