Islamabad get major boost as Dwarshuis returns
Australian pacer Ben Dwarshuis is set to rejoin defending champions Islamabad United for the remaining matches of the upcoming HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, which is scheduled to begin on Saturday.
The tournament, which was briefly suspended last week due to rising cross-border tensions with India, is set to resume on May 17 with Karachi Kings facing Peshawar Zalmi at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Dwarshuis was selected by Islamabad United in the Gold category during the PSL 10 draft. He made his debut in the marquee league this year and has taken four wickets in five matches so far.
"We are delighted to announce that Australian all-rounder Ben Dwarshuis will be returning to Pakistan for the remainder of HBL PSL X," Islamabad United stated in a media release.
"A familiar face in red, Ben's return adds further depth and balance to the star-studded lineup of the Pakistan Super League. We look forward to welcoming him back."
Before Dwarshuis, South Africa's Rassie van der Dussen and England's Alex Hales had already confirmed their return to Islamabad United for the remaining matches.
Lahore eye Shakib
Former Bangladesh captain and star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is expected to return to competitive cricket by joining Lahore Qalandars for the remaining matches.
According to Bangladeshi media reports, a senior official from Lahore Qalandars has confirmed the franchise's interest in acquiring Shakib's services, although a final agreement has yet to be reached.
"There is interest in him, but nothing is final. We will share updates about our overseas players once everything is confirmed," the official was quoted as saying.
Shakib has previously featured in the PSL for Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings.
It is pertinent to mention that the Bangladeshi all-rounder, who also briefly served as a lawmaker in his country, has not returned to Bangladesh since the collapse of Sheikh Hasina's government last year.
Shakib was participating in a domestic T20 tournament in Canada at the time of the political upheaval.
A seasoned campaigner, the left-arm spinner has represented Bangladesh in 71 Tests, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20Is, amassing a remarkable 712 wickets across formats.
His last competitive appearance came in November last year for the Bangla Tigers in the Abu Dhabi T10 League.
Meanwhile, Rawalpindi will host three matches, including a double-header on Sunday, May 18. In the afternoon, Quetta Gladiators will face Multan Sultans, followed by Peshawar Zalmi taking on Lahore Qalandars in the evening.
The final match at the venue will feature defending champions Islamabad United clashing with Karachi Kings on May 19.
After that, the tournament will move to Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium for the business end of the competition.
The Qualifier, Eliminator 1, and Eliminator 2 are scheduled for May 21, 22, and 23, respectively, with the grand final set for May 25.
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