Defending Pakistan Super League (PSL) champions Islamabad United have appointed Mohammad Sami as its captain for the upcoming season, who will replace the former skipper Misbah ul Haq.
Upon announcement of the captain, Islamabad United owner Ali Naqvi said: “Sami has always served the franchise with utmost respect and honour. He has always conducted himself in way that defines us and has been one of the stars for the team over the past three years, winning multiple matches on his own. Furthermore, he has years of captaincy experience – he has captained various Karachi teams, on and off, for almost a decade now, and has been successful in that role.”
In turn, Mohammad Sami expressed his own delight at being appointed captain, declaring himself “honoured and privileged” to be allowed the opportunity.
The moment you all have been waiting for. Here is @AliNaqvi808 with the captaincy announcement!#UnitedWeWin #DimaghSe pic.twitter.com/0OrE6AVmMe
— Islamabad United (@IsbUnited) February 4, 2019
“It’s an honour for me that Islamabad United and Ali Naqvi have selected me to lead the franchise. I have always aimed to give my all to the team, to repay the faith that they have vested in him, and I hope that I will be able to rise to this challenge too. I feel privileged to have been given this opportunity and I hope that I will continue Islamabad United’s tradition of success.”
The 37-year-old has taken 37 wickets in only 27 PSL matches against the economy rate of 6.55. His bowling figures are second only to Rumman Raees.
Regarding the appointment, Naqvi said that Sami was “our first choice for the role as he has always served the franchise with utmost honour and respect”.
PSL 4 is scheduled to commence from February 14 in Dubai. The knockouts, however, will be played in Pakistan.
