Islamabad United’s Irish batter Paul Stirling has once again rejoined Islamabad’s squad and is available for tonight’s Eliminator against Lahore Qalandars.
A relaxation of Covid rules means that the Irishman is immediately eligible to compete upon arrival in Pakistan as soon as he registers a negative PCR test much like Alex Hales.
Paul Stirling played the first five games of the HBL PSL 7 for United before leaving for international duty.
He’s the second high-profile player to return for Islamabad United in a dramatic fashion.
England’s Alex Hales after having departed early citing the mental fatigue of bio-bubbles, returned for Thursday’s Eliminator against Peshawar Zalmi before taking the player of the match honors.
Earlier the Pakistan Cricket Board had announced that in line with the prevalent NCOC regulations and the current Covid-19 positivity trend in the country, the HBL PSL 2022 Health and Safety Protocols had been modified which has been very welcome news for United’s team.
Paul Stirling and Alex Hales were the main reason for United’s blistering start to the season.
The two constantly put the opposition bowlers in trouble by taking advantage of the fielding restrictions during the powerplay.
Islamabad’s batting has not been the same since he departed and his return will give United a boost of confidence ahead of an important game.