PSL 2024: Naseem Shah leaves Quetta Gladiator with emotional message, moves to Islamabad United

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PSL 2024: Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah on Saturday (December 2) bid adieu to Quetta Gladiators to join Islamabad United ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024. The 20-year-old pacer posted an emotional message on X and thanked the Gladiators for their support over the years.

The development comes ahead of the PSL 2024 draft which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, December 13. Naseem Shah, who is out of action after suffering a shoulder injury during the Asia Cup 2023, made his debut for Quetta Gladiators in 2020 and went on to play 29 matches. He picked 26 wickets at an economy rate of 7.99 for the franchise.

Naseem Shah thanked the franchise for their support over the years and asked his fans to keep him in their prayers. Meanwhile, Quetta Gladiators have roped in off-spinner Abrar Ahmed and fast-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Wasim Jr.

"Goodbyes are never easy but my time with @TeamQuetta has come to an end, I have enjoyed every moment of it & will forever cherish the memories I have made over the years.Thank you for providing me with such an incredible opportunity, especially Nadeem Omar Sb for the trust he has shown in me. With that, I look forward to the next chapter, keep me in your duas," Naseem Shah wrote on X.

As per reports, at least three teams were in hunt for the in-demand fast bowler ESPNcricinfo reported that Multan Sultans were on the cusp of signing Naseem and making an official statement but Islamabad United marred their plans in the end.

The report also added that Naseem Shah himself wanted to move out of Quetta Gladiators after enduring a frustrating few years at the franchise. Notably, Gladiators haven't made it to the playoffs even since Naseem Shah's PSL debut with the franchise in 2020.

Earlier, spin-bowling all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed moved to the Multan Sultans from Islamabad United, while South Africa star Rilee Rossouw joined the Gladiators.

Imad Wasim, who led the Karachi Kings to glory in PSL 2020, have also joined Islamanad United. Further, pacer Hasan Ali will play for Karachi Kings in the PSL 2024.