Renowned New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill has joined the Islamabad United squad and has arrived in Lahore ahead of their upcoming match against Peshawar Zalmi on Monday.
The 37-year-old opening batsman, known for his prolific performances in various T20 leagues worldwide following his retirement from international cricket in 2022, brings a wealth of experience to the team. Guptill has previously represented Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League.
Guptill was brought in as a replacement for the United Arab Emirates batsman Muhammad Waseem, who was unable to join the squad due to prior commitments.
Islamabad United had earlier signed Muhammad Waseem for his impressive batting record in the ILT20, and the team’s management made the decision to acquire him midway through the season.
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Furthermore, English wicket-keeper batsman Jordan Cox recently joined the squad in Lahore, showcasing his batting prowess and exceptional fielding skills in previous matches. Cox’s memorable catch at the boundary against Multan Sultans and his valuable contribution with the bat have been noteworthy.
In other team news, Alex Hales has temporarily departed the squad due to personal commitments and will not be available for the upcoming match against Peshawar Zalmi. This absence emphasizes the significant role Martin Guptill is expected to play in the upcoming matches for Islamabad United.