Islamabad United, Mohammad Sami, Pakistan Super League 2019
Mohammad Sami (Credits - Twitter)

In one of those surprising choices, the defending champions Islamabad United asked the fast bowler Mohammad Sami to lead the team in the upcoming Pakistan Super League 2019. Mohammad Sami has been their best bowler in the previous edition with the best economy and the also the second highest-wicket taker after Wahab Riaz.

Mohammad Sami has got the experience of leading a side, as he already captained Karachi team in 27 T20 matches. The 37-year-old Sami has been the top contributor for the franchise, who delivered the goods more often than not.

It is an honour to lead the side – Mohammad Sami

Speaking of the appointment, the right-handed fast bowler quoted that he is pretty happy to serve the team by taking up the challenge. Further, Sami added that he wants to repay the faith of the selection panel by delivering the goods in the middle.

Islamabad United, Mohammad Sami, Pakistan Super League 2019
Islamabad United with the PSL trophy. Credits: AFP

Sami also added that he always gave his effort for the team to make things fall in place. He believes that the captaincy burden won’t change anything to his approach to the game. Sami quoted that it is an honour and feels very privileged.

“It’s an honour for me that Islamabad United and Ali Naqvi [franchise owner] have selected me to lead the franchise,” Sami said after he was announced as the captain.

Islamabad United, Mohammad Sami, Pakistan Super League 2019
Mohammad Sami (Credits – Twitter)

“I have always aimed to give my all to the team. To repay the faith that they have vested in me, and I hope that I will be able to rise to this challenge too. I feel privileged to have been given this opportunity. I hope that I will continue Islamabad United’s tradition of success.”

Mohammad Sami always served the team well – Naqvi

Meanwhile, Naqvi, the owner of Islamabad United revealed that the flamboyant cricketer has delivered the goods with utmost dedication. Further, he lauded the bowler’s consistency and believes that they will excel under his captaincy.

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Shadab Khan
Shadab Khan will be vice-captain. (Photo credit – JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP/Getty Images)

Speaking about Sami’s new role, Naqvi said: “Sami has always served the franchise with utmost respect and honour. He has always conducted himself in way that defines us and has been one of the stars for the team over the past three years, winning multiple matches on his own. Furthermore, he has years of captaincy experience – he has captained various Karachi teams, on and off, for almost a decade now, and has been successful in that role.”

Meanwhile, it is learnt that the leg-spinner Shadab Khan will be taking the vice-captaincy role. Last year, Shadab Khan played a great role in making things fall in place for the team.

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