Tag: Alex Hales

Islamabad United release statement on Alex Hales’ PSL 10 exit

Islamabad United have issued an official statement clarifying the sudden departure of star batter Alex Hales from the remainder of their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 campaign.

The franchise confirmed that the English opener will not be available for Qualifier 2 or a potential final due to pre-committed personal obligations.

In their statement, United revealed that due to a shift in the PSL schedule, Hales’ availability was only confirmed until May 18.

The 36-year-old is heading to Spain to attend the wedding of a close friend, an arrangement that was mutually agreed upon when his short-term contract was signed.

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“Alex Hales has always been, and will continue to be, part of the Islamabad United family,” the franchise stated.

Hales also shared his thoughts, calling Islamabad United more than just a team.

“It always feels like family playing for United,” he said. “Coming back this season was a great experience, and I’m wishing the team the very best for the playoffs. I’ll be cheering for them from Spain.”

Despite playing just two matches this season, Hales certainly made an impact. His comeback knock against Karachi Kings on May 19 was nothing short of explosive.

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He smashed an 88 off just 35 balls, peppered with six boundaries and eight towering sixes, at a strike rate of 251.42. His onslaught helped Islamabad post a mammoth 251/5, one of the highest totals in PSL history.

However, the joy was short-lived. In the Qualifier 1 clash against Quetta Gladiators, Hales fell for a second-ball duck as United faltered in their 210-run chase, eventually getting bowled out for 179.

With that loss, the defending champions missed their direct route to the final and will now face the winner of the Eliminator between Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars in Qualifier 2, scheduled for May 23 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

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PSL 10: Islamabad United suffer major blow ahead of Qualifier 2

Islamabad United have been dealt a big blow just before their Qualifier 2 clash in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, as star English batter Alex Hales has left the squad due to personal commitments.

The veteran opener confirmed his departure on Instagram, sending his best wishes to the franchise and thanking United for the opportunity to be part of their campaign once again.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Sources indicate that Alex Hales, who has played for Islamabad United for much of his PSL career, had initially joined the squad for only two matches this season.

Despite the short stint, he certainly left his mark, especially in his first outing, where he lit up the Gaddafi Stadium with a whirlwind 88 off just 35 balls against Karachi Kings on May 19.

His blistering knock, laced with six fours and eight massive sixes at a staggering strike rate of 251.42, helped Islamabad post a mammoth 251/5.

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However, fortunes changed quickly. In the Qualifier 1 against Quetta Gladiators, Alex Hales was dismissed for a second-ball duck, and Islamabad eventually fell short in the 210-run chase, getting bowled out for 179.

With that loss, the defending champions missed their first shot at the final and will now play the winner of the Eliminator between Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars in Qualifier 2, set for May 23 at the Gaddafi Stadium.

READ: Lahore Qalandars another boost ahead of PSL 10 Eliminator against Karachi Kings

Former England batter joins Islamabad United for remainder of PSL 10

Former England batter Alex Hales has joined defending champions Islamabad United for the remainder of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Hales, who has played for Islamabad United for much of his PSL career, expressed his excitement to rejoin the franchise for the crucial stages of the league.

“Islamabad United has always been very close to my heart. They were the first PSL team I played for in Pakistan, and the support I’ve received from the fans and the franchise has been incredible throughout,” Alex Hales said in a statement.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“When they signed me back in April, I was really looking forward to joining up with the squad for the latter stages of the tournament.

“With the change in PSL dates, I’ve had to reshuffle a few commitments, but I’m absolutely thrilled to be back in Pakistan playing in Red. Hopefully, I can contribute and help the team push for another title.”

The tournament, which was briefly suspended last week due to rising cross-border tensions with India, is all set to resume on May 17 with Karachi Kings facing Peshawar Zalmi at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

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Rawalpindi will host three matches, including a double-header on Sunday, May 18, with Quetta Gladiators taking on Multan Sultans in the afternoon, followed by a clash between Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandars in the evening.

The last match at the venue will see defending champions Islamabad United face Karachi Kings on May 19.

After that, the action will move to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, which will host the business end of the tournament.

The Qualifier, Eliminator 1, and Eliminator 2 are scheduled for May 21, 22, and 23, respectively, with the grand final to be played on May 25.

READ: Mitchell Owen set to miss remainder of PSL 10 for IPL 2025

Hales’ fireworks give Marvels thumping victory over Falcons

DAMBULLA: Alex Hales scored a swashbuckling half-century and muscled Galle Marvels to thump Kandy Falcons in the 14th match of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024 here at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing a daunting 188-run target, the Marvels knocked the winning runs on the second delivery of the final over when Bhanuka Rajapaksa smashed Ramesh Mendis for a boundary to lead his side to an eight-wicket victory.

Opening batter Hales was the hero for the Marvels as he came out all guns blazing and set the platform with belligerent hitting.

He smashed seven fours and four sixes on his way to an unbeaten 86 off 55 deliveries and carried his bat all the way through.

Alex Hales was briefly supported by skipper Niroshan Dickwella (25) and Tim Seifert (16) amid his match-winning knock.

Rajapaksa extended notable support with his brisk 46. His 26-ball knock featured five boundaries and two sixes.

For the Falcons, Andre Fletcher and Wanindu Hasaranga could pick up a wicket each.

Earlier after being put into bat first, the Falcons registered 187/9 on the board, courtesy of Fletcher’s gutsy half-century.

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Fletcher, alongside in-form Dinesh Chandimal, gave the Falcons a solid start with a quickfire 54-run partnership but the latter’s dismissal in the fifth over dented the momentum.

Chandimal looked in sublime touch amid his blistering cameo of 32. He conceded only 14 balls and hit five boundaries including three sixes.

Fletcher fought hard for the Falcons with a valiant 69 off 43 balls, laced up with 10 boundaries including four sixes.

He was briefly supported by Angelo Mathews (29) while Ramesh Mendis (28) bolstered the Falcons’ total after his dismissal.

Prabath Jayasuriya was the pick of the bowlers for the Marvels with 3/30 in his four overs, followed by Dwaine Pretorius, who claimed two wickets.

The eight-wicket victory solidified Galle Marvels’ grip at the second spot in the LPL 2024 standings with eight points in six matches while Kandy Falcons sank to the bottom with four points in as many matches.

READ: Wahab Riaz avoids “blame game” in detailed statement after sacking

Major blow to Islamabad United ahead of Peshawar Zalmi clash

LAHORE: Hard-hitting opening batter Alex Hales will miss Islamabad United’s Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 clash against Peshawar Zalmi, scheduled on Sunday.

According to the details, Hales had a prior personal commitment and thus will be unavailable for United’s fourth match of the ongoing season.

Alex Hales is anticipated to return for all the remaining action, commencing with the second leg in Karachi.

Two-time champions Islamabad United are ranked third in the PSL 9 standings with two points in three matches.

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The PSL 9 will be played in four cities – Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi – with the final of the six-team tournament taking place at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on 18 March.

Over the course of the 34-match tournament, Karachi will host 11 matches, including the Qualifier, two Eliminators and the final.

Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will each host nine matches, while fans in Multan, the city of saints, will witness five matches.

Islamabad United’s PSL 9 squad

Shadab Khan (c), Naseem Shah (both Platinum), Imad Wasim, Azam Khan (both Diamond), Faheem Ashraf (Brand Ambassador), Alex Hales, Colin Munro (all Gold), Rumman Raees (Silver), Tymal Mills, Matthew Forde, Salman Agha, Qasim Akram, Shahab Khan, Hunain Shah, Ubaid Shah, Shamyl Hussain, Jordan Cox, Haider Ali, Obed McCoy, Martin Guptill.

READ: Martin Guptill replaces Muhammad Waseem for PSL 9

Alex Hales bids adieu to international cricket

England’s hard-hitting batter Alex Hales on Friday, announced to put an end to his illustrious career at the age of 34 with immediate effect.

Hales signed off as an England international with a T20 World Cup title under his belt. He last featured in an international match against Pakistan at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in November 2022 – the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

“It has been an absolute privilege to have represented my country on 156 occasions across all three formats,” Hales said in a statement.

“Throughout my time in an England shirt I’ve experienced some of the highest highs as well as some of the lowest lows. It’s been an incredible journey and I feel very content that my last game for England was winning a World Cup final.”

Alex Hales represented England in 11 Tests, 70 ODIs and 75 ODIs and accumulated 5066 runs across formats with the help of seven centuries.

More to follow…

Islamabad United’s Alex Hales reaches Pakistan for second PSL 8 leg

ISLAMABAD: English opener Alex Hales, who is set to represent Islamabad United in the ongoing eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has landed in the country for the marquee event.

The two-time PSL champions United, who suffered a crushing 110-run defeat at the hands of defending champions Lahore Qalandars on Monday, got a major confidence-booster ahead of their home matches as their enterprising opener Hales joined the squad on Wednesday afternoon.

Taking to Twitter, United shared a picture of Hales’s arrival in the country.

“Just in: [Alex Hales] arrives in Pakistan,” wrote the PSL franchise.

 

It is pertinent to mention that the United are in third place with six points after five matches, two points within the leaders Qalandars.

Meanwhile, the United will start their home matches on Friday when they lock horns with 2020 champions Karachi Kings, who hold the fourth spot in the standings.

READ: Australia take comfortable lead after Kuhnemann’s five-for

More English cricketers likely to prioritize PSL over Bangladesh Tour

LONDON: More England cricketers are likely to follow Alex Hales’ footsteps of prioritizing franchise league cricket over their side’s scheduled tour of Bangladesh due to lucrative contracts, English newspaper The Telegraph reported.

According to the report, three more English players – Lahore Qalandars’ Sam Billings and Liam Dawson and Karachi Kings’ James Vince – are likely to offer their full participation in the ongoing eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) instead of preferring national duty.

England will tour Bangladesh for three T20Is and as many ODIs from March 1-14, while the PSL will take place from February 13 to March 19.

“Alex Hales will not be included in the squad for Bangladesh as he is set to remain at the Pakistan Super League where he has a lucrative deal. It is understood Sam Billings, Liam Dawson and James Vince will do the same,” the report stated.

“England are happy for their non-contracted players to pursue franchise opportunities with the likes of Billings, Dawson and Vince having spent plenty of time around the England setup since 2015, without being regulars in the XI.

“Players opting not to play for England has raised further questions over England’s contracting structures and, with franchises increasingly powerful, whether greater weight should be given to tour and match fees (currently around ÂŁ5,000 and ÂŁ2,500 for ODIs and T20Is respectively) rather than retainers.”

The report added that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) selection committee will name the squad for the tour of Bangladesh, this week.

It is pertinent to mention that the much-anticipated PSL 8 will commence with a glittering opening ceremony in Multan. The home side Multan Sultans will take on defending champions Lahore Qalandars in the curtain raiser.

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Hales honours lucrative PSL contract over England duty

England’s dynamic opener Alex Hales has opted to partake in the Pakistan Super League season 8 instead of accompanying the England team for their upcoming tour to Bangladesh in March, reported English Media on Tuesday.  

According to the Telegraph, Hales will “honour a lucrative ÂŁ145,000 contract” with Islamabad United for the upcoming edition of Pakistan’s marquee league.

England will play three T20Is and as many ODIs in Bangladesh between March 1 to 14. The tour is set to clash with the PSL which will run from February 13 to March 19.

“To leave a portion of the PSL and represent England in Bangladesh, Hales would lose a significant sum of money, with England match fees for players without national contracts — in the region of ÂŁ5,000 and ÂŁ2,500 for ODIs and T20Is — worth considerably less than franchise payments,” the report said.

The explosive opener made his comeback to the national side in September last year after a three-year hiatus and played a pivotal role in England’s T20 World Cup victory.

Hales remains firmly in the national team’s plans going forward. England are highly understanding of the situation and have not put pressure on Hales. Indeed, the national team have become increasingly aware that the franchise circuit now pays more, with a series of cricketers who would have been picked for the Lions — the national second-string — this winter not selected so that they could play in franchise leagues instead,” the report added.

Earlier, Hales also confirmed his availability for the PSL8 in a statement released by the United on its Twitter.

“The first time I came to play PSL in Pakistan was with Islamabad United. This is my fifth season with the franchise,” said Hales as quoted by the United. “Everyone talks about how we operate like a family and how everyone looks after each other. Last season, the franchise stood by me in a tough situation and respected my decision hence I had no qualms about returning for the playoff games.”

“This year as well, I have made myself available because I love this team and the free brand of cricket we play at Islamabad United,” he added.

It is important to note here that the PSL 8 will kick off in Multan on February 13 with the defending champions Lahore Qalandars locking horns with hosts Multan Sultans in the opener.

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‘One of the best atmospheres in world cricket’ Hales lauds Karachi crowd

KARACHI: England returning opener Alex Hales expressed his admiration for the cricket fans of the city who came out in number and packed the National Stadium to witness the first T20I between England and Pakistan on the latter’s home soil. 

Hales shone with a brilliant half-century on his return to England side after three years and guided his team to a comprehensive six-wicket win in the opening encounter of the historic T20I series.

Speaking at a post-match press conference, Hales stated that it was a very special feeling for him to play in front of the full house at Karachi’s National Stadium, terming it ‘one of the best atmospheres in world cricket.’

“I have played in front of full houses at Karachi but this is very different,” said Hales, who featured in the Pakistan Super League as one of the key overseas players and represented Karachi Kings and Islamabad United, respectively.

“You couldn’t believe the noise and the atmosphere. Karachi put up a show tonight,” he expressed.

Talking about his prior experience of playing in Pakistan, the England opener said he had spent a lot of time here over the last few years and had some fantastic memories on and off the field.

“It’s a place which means a lot to me,” he said. “So to be a part of the England tour, the first one in such a long time is an incredibly special feeling.”

Furthermore, Hales called his phenomenal comeback – a dream return – saying that it felt like a debut to play for England after three years.

“It’s a very special feeling to get back out on the park for England – three years felt like forever but to get a fifty on my return in a winning team is the stuff dreams are made of,” said Hales.

“There are always nerves and pressure after having not played for England for three years, it felt like a debut again, so a very special night,” he maintained.

It is apropos to mention here that England are currently on their first tour of Pakistan after 17 years. The touring side took a 1-0 lead in the seven-match T20I series with the second match to be played on September 22 at National Stadium Karachi.

READ: Green, Wade guide Australia to four wicket win over India in first T20

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