PSL 2022: Alex Hales To Make Return To Islamabad United For Knockout Fixtures

England batter Alex Hales will return to Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League 2022 as the franchise has been marred by injuries ahead of their knockout stage fixture.

On February 15, Hales pulled out of the tournament and went back to his country due to bio-bubble fatigue.

Alex Hales won’t have to isolate on his Pakistan arrival

Ahead of United’s Eliminator 1 match against Peshawar Zalmi, Hales is expected to be available to play the knockout game as few amendments to the existing health and safety protocols allow him to play. The amendment allows teams to bring in players and play them immediately on their arrival.

According to the PCB, “the amendments were presented and unanimously approved by the six franchises this afternoon and were run past the Medical Advisory Panel before being introduced. The Islamabad United opener won’t have to isolate himself on his arrival but will need to clear a negative COVID-19 test.

Alex Hales is the leading run-scorer of Islamabad United in PSL 2022

Hales’ return to the team will boost their chances to win as Islamabad United skipper Shadab Khan and New Zealand’s Colin Munro are injured and might not be available to play against Peshawar in the eliminator game.

United will also miss the services of Ireland batter Paul Stirling and Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz as both of them have departed from Pakistan for national duties for their respective teams.

Hales smashed an unbeaten 82 as United defeated Peshawar Zalmi by nine wickets in their first game at the National Stadium in Karachi. He made 62 off 38 balls against Quetta Gladiators, smashing four boundaries and four sixes at the strike rate of 163.15. 

With 255 runs from seven innings, Hales is the leading run-scorer of the franchise in PSL 2022 even though he missed three matches in the league stage.

Islamabad United take on Peshwar Zalmi in the Eliminator 1 fixture on Thursday at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Also Read: PSL 2022: Alex Hales Pulls Out Of The Tournament