Quetta Gladiators to take on Islamabad United in opening match of PSL

KARACHI (92 News) – In the opening match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) defending champions, Quetta Gladiators will take on two-time former winners Islamabad United at the National Stadium in Karachi. Reigning champions Quetta Gladiators will open the event, taking on two-time former winners Islamabad United. Shocking news for Quetta Gladiators as Umer Akmal was ousted before first match of team. Umar Akmal has been ousted from the big event of the HBL PSL 2020 after suspension by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). According to the press release issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Umar Akmal was suspended with immediate effect under Article 4.7.1* of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code, which means he cannot take part in any cricket-related activity pending the investigation being carried out by PCB’s Anti-Corruption Unit. As this is an ongoing investigation, the PCB will not make any further comments. Meanwhile, Quetta Gladiators are allowed to apply for Umar Akmal’s replacement in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020. The defending champions will take on two-time former winners Islamabad United in the opening match, which will commence later today at 9pm (PST). A day earlier, Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan, addressing a press conference with Sarfaraz Ahmed, promised a tough competition against Sarfaraz-led Quetta Gladiators ahead of opening match of the PSL 2020. “Outside the ground we are friends, but while playing in the field no one goes easy against their opponent,” Shadab said. Shadab added that his side was "very well-balanced" and could perform "at any given day". "The team is very well-balanced. All my players are competitive and can perform at any given day," he said. On the occasion, Gladiators’ skipper Sarfaraz said that he will be firing on all cylinders in the tournament. “I aim to perform well as a captain and as an individual and am hopeful that things will get better in the future,” Sarfaraz said. The 33-year-old revealed that Jason Roy and Shane Watson will be opening while Ahmed Shehzad will be placed third. "Jason Roy and Shane Watson will open for the team, while Ahmed Shahzad will go one down," he said. He further said that he held expectations from teen pace sensation Naseem Shah. The Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) medical panel on Tuesday advised the Gladiators to rest the right-arm pacer, who was recovering from an injury to his ribs, for the first two matches of the PSL 2020.

Islamabad United

Shadab Khan (captain), Faheem Ashraf, Asif Ali, Luke Ronchi, Hussain Talat, Amad Butt, Musa Khan, Dale Steyn, Colin Ingram, Colin Munro, Rumman Raees, Rizwan Hussain, Phil Salt, Zafar Gohar, Akif Javed, Ahmed Safi Abdullah, Saif Badar, Dawid Malan

Quetta Gladiators

Sarfaraz Ahmed (captain), Mohammad Nawaz, Shane Watson, Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hasnain, Ahsan Ali, Naseem Shah, Jason Roy, Ben Cutting, Fawad Ahmed, Sohail Khan, Tymal Mills, Abdul Nasir, Arish Ali Khan, Azam Khan, Keemo Paul, Khurram Manzoor, Zahid Mehmood