Naseem Shah is switching from Quetta Gladiators to Islamabad United in a sensational PSL trade. This ends weeks of speculation about his next season’s destination. United emerged victorious after a tussle with at least three other teams for his signing. Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Wasim Jnr are expected to move to Quetta Gladiators in exchange, although the transfer is not yet formally approved. The deal is now almost certainly a formality.
Just days ago, Multan Sultans appeared to have secured Naseem’s signature, but United’s interest predated Sultans’ and outlasted it. Naseem’s move from the Gladiators was influenced by his frustration after several challenging years at the franchise. The Gladiators have struggled in recent years, while Naseem has never reached the playoff stages of the PSL in his career.
Naseem’s talent is recognized across formats in Pakistan, but he has yet to fully display that ability in the PSL. His 29 matches have yielded 26 wickets, with his economy rate, strike rate, and average all worse than his T20 career in general.
Naseem’s fitness for the start of the PSL is not officially confirmed after a shoulder injury. He is working on his recovery in the United Kingdom and is believed to be on track for the PSL, although not officially confirmed.
