According to The Telegraph, England batsman Alex Hales has chosen to forego the team’s impending tour of Bangladesh in order to fulfil his $145k contract with Islamabad United for the 2018 HBL Pakistan Super League.
Three T20Is and as many ODIs between England and Bangladesh are slated to take place between March 1 and March 14. While the eighth HBL PSL 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 £5,000 and £2,500 for ODIs and T20Is — worth considerably less than franchise payments,” the aforementioned report mentioned.
Last year, Hales decided to pull out of the tournament mid-season because of the toll Covid bubble life took on him.
“The first time I came to play PSL in Pakistan was with Islamabad United. This is my fifth season with the franchise,” said Hales in a statement released on United’s Twitter account. “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.
The right-handed batsman is eager to represent the team in front of their Rawalpindi home fans.
“The thing that excites me the most is playing in Rawalpindi this year. I got an opportunity to play a few matches at the venue, it is one of the best batting pitches. So I am looking forward to it. Want to experience Islamabad’s home crowd as well, I have heard they are absolutely electric,” he said.
Get latest updates on Pakistan Super League! PSL 2023, PSL Schedule, PSL Points Table, PSL Squads
