Photo Credit: Islamabad United
Pakistan’s Star All-Rounder to Be the Youngest Captain in PSL History
Islamabad, 26 January 2020 – Islamabad United, the winners of the first and third editions of the Pakistan Super League and the most successful team in PSL history, are proud to announce that Pakistan’s star all-rounder, Shadab Khan, will be the Captain of franchise in PSL5.
Shadab came through Islamabad United, after being picked up as the seventh overall Emerging Category pick in the Draft for HBL PSL2. In the seasons since he has taken 29 wickets in 32 matches while going at 6.89 an over. He was part of the Islamabad United side that won PSL3, including taking 3-for-25 in the Final of that tournament. Shadab captained Islamabad United for three matches in PSL 4, replacing the then-injured Mohammad Sami as captain, and went on to win two of those encounters.
In addition to this Shadab has made his debut for the Pakistan national team across all three formats after his PSL debut. Since his international debut he is the highest wicket taker in the world in T20 Internationals. Currently he’s the third highest ranked Pakistani bowler in the ICC ODI Rankings, and second highest ranked bowler in the ICC T20I Rankings. is currently number 2 in the world in ICC’s Rankings for Bowlers in T20 Internationals. He has also starred with the bat having scored six fifties in 31 innings he has had in Tests and ODIs.
Regarding the appointment, Ali Naqvi, the owner of the franchise said, “We always focus on developing our Pakistani players across all disciplines – cricket playing ability, general physical and mental fitness, and leadership skills. It’s one of the remits we have given to our coaches and managers that Islamabad United should be a graduating school for the national team. Nothing gives us more joy and pride than when one of our young boys makes the step up to the national team, as has been the case many times over the last four years. And no one encapsulates that commitment quite like Shadab. His rise over the past three years, and the way he has conducted himself through that rise have been exemplary. Furthermore, his knowledge and understanding of the game means that he is someone that is ideally suited for the responsibility that comes with such a post. With an experienced group around him and a culture that is already established I am sure this will be ideal for him. We wish him the best of luck and hope he has as much success in the position as his predecessors have had.”
Shadab himself, welcomed the responsibility saying, “It’s an honour for me that Ali bhai and the franchise have considered me for this role. I hope to learn as much as I can from this opportunity and hope that I will live up to the expectations they have of me. Islamabad United has made me what I am today, and I hope to repay the faith they have invested me in for so many years. I know what it takes to win the PSL, and working with Misbah bhai I am sure that we can challenge for the trophy again.”
Islamabad United is one of the six franchise teams in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), and is the winner of the first and third seasons of the HBL PSL. The franchise believes in bringing change to Pakistani sports with the introduction of international standards of practice and a commitment to continuous progress.
AAN – Leonine Sports is the proud owner of Islamabad United, the FIRST CHAMPIONS and the most successful team in the Pakistan Super League. Part of the Leonine Global group, AAN – Leonine Sports is focused on enabling sports and creating franchises with a mission to provide: 1) A truly global experience on sports entertainment; 2) A fan base which is loyal, aware and supportive of the sport and the franchise; 3) An aspirational beacon for up and coming players to strive for excellence in cricket for Pakistan in particular and for the world at large; 4) An eco-system for the promotion of sports through close partnerships with the respective sports boards; 5) A truly professionally-run organization with exceptional standards of corporate governance and international best practices; 6) Promotion of Pakistan through sports and involvement of internationally known figures into Pakistan; 7) A responsible member on CSR.
The company focuses on the above mission statement by implementing a strategy built around the principle of 4 Es – Excellence, Empowerment, Education and Environment.
Name of Author: Islamabad United
Islamabad United is a Pakistani Twenty20 cricket team competing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Based in Islamabad, the team was established in 2015 for the league’s inaugural season. It is owned by Leonine Global Investments through Leonine Global Sports, run by Amna Naqvi and Ali Naqvi.
