Blow to Islamabad United as Shadab, Zeeshan ruled out of Zalmi clash

In a major blow to Islamabad United, skipper Shadab Khan and pacer Zeeshan Zameer have been ruled out of their team's match against Peshawar Zalmi, slated for Thursday.

"We have just received their medical reports and medical panel will share all the details soon," the franchise said in a statement on Wednesday.

Asif Ali will captain United in Shadab’s absence.

In a Twitter post on Monday, the Islamabad United captain informed the fans that he had suffered an injury but was unaware of its severity. The injury came during his side's match against Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Shadab was unable to bowl his full quota of four overs during the match and had to go off the field in the second innings.  “Unfortunately I don’t know the extent of my injury yet. Please pray for me and my team,” Shadab tweeted after the match.

Thank you my team @IsbUnited. I am very proud of you all. Unfortunately I don’t know the extent of my injury yet. Please pray for me and my team. #UnitedWeWin

— Shadab Khan (@76Shadabkhan) February 14, 2022

However, despite Shadab’s absence, Islamabad managed to win a thrilling contest against Karachi by just one run.

Shadab’s career has faced a lot of hurdles due to injuries issues in recent years and he had also contacted coronavirus as well. Shadab is enjoying a stellar form in the current edition with bot ball and bat after quite some time but the new injury blow is a sign of worry for both Pakistan and the spinner ahead of all important Australian tour to Pakistan.

The latest blow to Islamabad comes after opening batter Alex Hales decided to pull out of the ongoing seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Shortly after the development, Hales took to his Instagram story and confirmed that the COVID-19 bubbles had taken a toll on him, therefore, he could not continue.

Hales played seven games for Islamabad this season and scored 255 runs at an average of 42.50, smashing two half-centuries.