Islamabad United rocked before PSL playoff; Another player leaves Pakistan midway
Published - 22 May 2025, 05:59 PM | Updated - 22 May 2025, 06:06 PM
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Islamabad United have suffered a big setback just before their must-win match in the Pakistan Super League 2025. English star Alex Hales has left the team in a tough spot ahead of Qualifier 2 of the PSL 2025, which is scheduled for May 23 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Alex Hales has left the Islamabad United camp due to personal reasons and flown back to England. Hales confirmed his exit through an Instagram story, where he thanked the franchise for the opportunity and wished the team luck for the crucial game ahead.
Alex Hales leaves Islamabad United days before PSL 2025 Qualifier 2
However, fans were left stunned by the timing, as the 36-year-old had only just returned to the PSL 2025 and was expected to play a crucial role in Islamabad United’s playoff run. It is being said that Hales was only available for two matches for the franchise this season.
Read Also: PSL 2025- Rishad Hossain back in Pakistan for Lahore Qalandars
The 36-year-old made a strong comeback in his first game against Karachi Kings on May 19, hammering a cracking knock of 88 runs off just 35 balls. His knock included six fours and eight sixes and helped Islamabad post their highest total of the season—251 for 5.
But things didn’t go well in the next game. In Qualifier 1 against the Quetta Gladiators, Hales got out for a duck on the second ball. Islamabad failed to chase the target of 210 and lost the match by 30 runs, missing the chance to reach the final directly.
Islamabad will face either Karachi Kings or Lahore Qalandars in Qualifier 2
Now, Islamabad United will face the winner of the Eliminator match between Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars in Qualifier 2 on May 23 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The winner of Qualifier 2 will make it to the PSL 2025 final, which will be played on May 25.
However, Hales is no longer part of the team, but Islamabad still has a strong squad. Captain Shadab Khan will have the key players like Naseem Shah, Imad Wasim, Colin Munro, and Jason Holder. But without their hard-hitting opener, United's title dreams now hang by a thread.
Speaking about the Eliminator between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings, both teams will be excited to outsmart each other to qualify for Qualifier 2. Karachi is currently sitting third on the points table with 6 wins and 4 losses.
But their confidence took a serious hit in the last match when Islamabad United handed them a crushing 79-run defeat.
Read Also: Shubman Gill narrates fighting episode with Abhishek Sharma
Karachi and Lahore battle for the Qualifier 2 spot
James Vince has been the Kings' rock with the bat, piling up 374 runs and leading their charge this season. On the bowling front, Abbas Afridi has been their game changer, taking 17 wickets so far.
On the other hand, Lahore Qalandars is currently placed fourth with 5 wins and 4 losses. They stormed into the PSL 2025 playoffs by defeating Peshawar Zalmi in a rain-affected 13-over game, winning by 26 runs. Fakhar Zaman has been on fire for Lahore, smashing 369 runs, while pacer Haris Rauf has picked up 12 wickets, making life tough for batters with his raw speed and accuracy.
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