Naseem Shah's PSL transfer set to change hands from Quetta Gladiators to Islamabad United

Paksitan pacer Naseem Shah's transfer from Quetta Gladiators to Islamabad United in the upcoming PSL season has culminated in a gripping saga of bids and negotiations, marking one of the most sensational trades in PSL history. Despite Multan Sultans initially appearing as frontrunners for his signature, it's Islamabad United that emerged victorious after a heated battle involving multiple teams vying for the prized fast bowler.

The impending move, though pending formal approval, seems all but inevitable now. Speculation had been rife as Sultans seemed poised to announce Naseem's acquisition before United intervened with their longstanding interest, ultimately securing the deal. The Pakistan speedster's desire to depart from Quetta Gladiators appears to stem from a period of frustration within the franchise.

Despite Gladiators' early dominance in the PSL's initial years, clinching the title in 2019 and maintaining consistency, their performance has taken a downturn since. This shift seemingly contributed to Shah seeking a change of scenery. While he is regarded as a prodigious talent in Pakistani cricket across various formats, his impact in the PSL hasn't yet matched his potential.

Naseem Shah’s rough patch in PSL is worrisome along with his injury

In his 29 matches, he's secured 26 wickets, with standout performances including two games in 2022 yielding nine wickets. However, his statistics in the PSL—be it his economy rate, strike rate, or average—trail behind his overall T20 career figures. Moreover, concerns linger over his fitness for the upcoming PSL season following a shoulder injury that sidelined him during the latter stages of the Asia Cup and the entire World Cup 2023. 

Although he's absent from Pakistan's tour of Australia and New Zealand, his recovery progress in the UK indicates a potential return for the PSL. However, official confirmation regarding his readiness is yet to be declared. The 20-year-old's anticipated move to Islamabad United, while almost certain, remains contingent on official endorsement, promising an exciting chapter in his career amid expectations and fitness considerations ahead of the upcoming PSL season.