PSL 2024: Naseem Shah Set To Leave Quetta Gladiators For Islamabad United In A Sensational Deal: Report

Pakistan fast-bowler Naseem Shah is reportedly set to ply his trade for a new team in the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The right-arm pacer has been plying his trade for Quetta Gladiators since his inaugural season in the tournament in 2019. He is now all set to seal a sensational transfer to another franchise, according to a report in ESPNcricinfo. Speculations have been rife for quite some time now that Naseem Shah will end his association with the Gladiators ahead of PSL 2024.

The report stated that at least three teams were in a race to sign Naseem Shah but in the end, Islamabad United secured the services of the Pakistan star. The deal is all but done and the announcement is a mere formality now, as per the report. The news outlet further stated that spinner Abrar Ahmed and pacer Mohammad Wasim Jnr are expected to move the other way, joining Quetta Gladiators before the transfer window shuts.

Naseem Shah’s dramatic transfer to Islamabad United:

Naseem Shah was really close to joining Multan Sultans, according to the report. The Multan-based outfit had pretty much sealed the deal but United’s interest in the bowler predated Sultans’, and ended up outlasting it. One of the most in-demand bowlers in Pakistan, Naseem Shah’s decision to leave the Gladiators was partially influenced by his frustrating spell at the franchise.

Gladiators enjoyed a number of successful seasons in the league before signing up Naseem. In the first four seasons, they reached three finals and won the title in 2019 but have been struggling in recent years. In the last four seasons, they have missed out on the playoffs in each season. As a result, Naseem has yet to play in the playoffs despite playing in the competition since 2020.

His performance for the franchise is also not up to the mark. In 29 games so far, the highly-rated pacer has managed just 26 wickets. He is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury that also ruled him out of the World Cup as well as the upcoming three-match Test series against Australia.