Alex Hales joins Islamabad United for playoffs stage of PSL

F.P. Report

KARACHI: The hard hitting England batsman Alex Hales has joined the defending champion Islamabad United for the exciting playoff stage of Pakistan Super League (PSL) in front of Pakistani crowd.

Alex Hales, who is an important part of England’s limited-overs sides, will be making a return to Islamabad United after having played four matches for the team last season. The explosive England batsman is replacing fellow countryman Ian Bell in the United squad.

Alex Hales said that he is delighted to be back with Islamabad United for this year’s PSL and adding that he can’t wait to play in front of our passionate fans.

He added, “We have seen exciting cricket at PSL this year and Islamabad United has put in some excellent performances. I look forward to joining the squad and I hope that I can help the team lift the trophy once again.”

United owner Ali Naqvi said, “Alex Hales is one of the leading T20 batsmen in the world and I am glad that he will play for Islamabad United in front of Pakistani fans.”

“I am confident that he will add great energy to Islamabad United as we look to win the play-off stage games,” he added.

England fast bowler Chris Jordan also returned to Pakistan this year as he re-joins the Peshawar Zalmi squad for the play-off stage. Jordan had to leave the Zalmi squad midway through the season due to national duty where he received the man-of-the-series award during England’s T20I series win over the Windies.

Peshawar Zalmi will be squaring off against Quetta Gladiators in the qualifier on March 13, followed by the first eliminator between Islamabad United and Karachi Kings on March 14.