Pakistan Fast bowler Naseem Shah will reportedly ply his trade for a new team in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season. The right-arm pacer has been plying his trade with Quetta Gladiators since their maiden season in the tournament in 2019. He is now set to seal a sensational transfer to another franchise, according to a report by 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 said that at least three teams were in the race to sign Naseem Shah, but in the end, Islamabad United secured the services of the Pakistan star. The deal is practically closed and the announcement is now a mere formality, according to the report. The media outlet further stated that spinner Abrar Ahmed and pacer Mohammad Wasim Jnr are expected to move in the opposite direction, joining Quetta Gladiators before the transfer window closes.
Naseem Shah’s dramatic transfer to Islamabad United:
Naseem Shah was very close to joining Multan Sultans, according to the report. The Multan-based team had all but sealed the deal, but United’s interest in the bowler predated that of the Sultans and he ended up surviving. One of the most sought-after bowlers in Pakistan, Naseem Shah’s decision to leave the Gladiators was partially influenced by his frustrating tenure with the franchise.
The Gladiators enjoyed several successful seasons in the league before signing Naseem. In the first four seasons, they reached three finals and won the title in 2019, but they have struggled in recent years. In the last four seasons, they have missed the playoffs in every 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 par. In 29 games so far, the highly-rated pacer has managed just 26 wickets. He is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury which also ruled him out of the World Cup as well as the upcoming three-match Test series against Australia.