PSL 2019: Islamabad United recruit Ian Bell agrees to travel to Pakistan

Ian Bell was the highest run-scorer for England in the ODIs for the longest time until Eoin Morgan went past him this year. The 36-year-old last featured for the national side in November 2015 against Pakistan and is only playing T20 tournaments across the globe. He recently signed up for the defending Pakistan Super League champions Islamabad United for the upcoming season.

With over 2,500 runs in T20s at a strike rate of 131, he is quite a dependable batsman in the middle order and his experience will strengthen the side big time. Journalist Sad Sadiq confirmed via his official Twitter handle that the English veteran will be travelling to Pakistan for the PSL games. The business end of the tournament will be played in Pakistan as the PCB tries to bring back more cricket to the country.

“Interviewed Ian Bell who has been signed by Islamabad United. He has confirmed that he will travel to Pakistan for PSL matches, Sadiq quoted in his tweet.

Interviewed Ian Bell who has been signed by Islamabad United. He has confirmed that he will travel to Pakistan for PSL matches #PSLDraft2018 #Cricket

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) November 22, 2018

Islamabad begin their title defence on a strong note

The battle in these T20 tournaments begins on the drafting table and Islamabad United has started off on a great note for the next season. They roped in some more experienced players into the line-up who can supplement the youngsters quite brilliantly. The most notable of their picks are Ian Bell, Cameron Delport and Samit Patel.

They also roped in Afghan teenage sensation Zahir Khan as a supplementary pick. The 19-year-old chinaman bowler gives his skipper some additional variety and he will have a great time combining with the likes of Samit Patel and Shadab Khan.

They picked up young sensations Musa Khan and Nasir Nawaz from the emerging players’ category. Musa Khan is representing the current U19 national side whilst Nawaz, who recently made his List A debut, is keen to perform well in PSL 2019 and gain the selectors’ attention.

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