Islamabad United Confirm Another Signing Ahead of PSL 11 With Mohammad Faiq

Who Is Mohammad Faiq and Why Islamabad United Signed Him

Mohammad Faiq is a right-handed top-order batter with domestic T20 numbers that genuinely demand attention. His stats are not the kind that get ignored during squad-building discussions and Islamabad United clearly saw enough in him to bring him back into the fold ahead of PSL 11.

Here is a full breakdown of Faiq’s domestic T20 record:

An average of 63.28 and a strike rate of 189.31 across 12 T20 matches is a seriously impressive return. Those numbers put him among the most productive domestic T20 openers in Pakistan cricket right now and Islamabad United’s decision to confirm him ahead of PSL 11 makes complete sense when you look at them properly.

Faiq’s History With Islamabad United

This signing is not a cold debut for Mohammad Faiq at the franchise. He was previously included in Islamabad United’s squad but did not feature in any matches during that stint. PSL 11 is set to be his actual competitive debut for the red and black, turning that unfinished chapter into a full story under new tournament conditions.

The “Welcome back, Sheru” messaging from the franchise was deliberate. Islamabad United have a strong culture of loyalty around players who have been part of their system and calling Faiq a Sheru before he has even played a match tells you exactly how the franchise values him going into this season.

How Islamabad United Built Their PSL 11 Squad

The Faiq signing is the latest move in what has been a carefully constructed squad build for Islamabad United heading into PSL 11. The franchise was among the most active teams at the historic player auction held at the Expo Centre on February 11, which was the first ever auction in PSL history replacing the traditional draft system used across the first 10 editions since 2016.

Here is a full picture of how Islamabad United assembled their PSL 11 roster:

The replacement of West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph with Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani is a notable tactical shift. Muzarabani brings raw pace and height that Pakistani pitches tend to reward, particularly in early tournament conditions.

What Mohammad Faiq Adds to Islamabad United’s Batting

Islamabad United’s top order for PSL 11 is shaping up to be genuinely dangerous. Devon Conway brings elite T20 consistency from the international stage while Haider Ali gives them an explosive middle-order option. Mohammad Faiq’s addition fills a specific gap in the batting lineup with a domestic specialist who scores quickly and builds innings at the top of the order.

His strike rate of 189.31 is particularly relevant in T20 cricket where the first six overs define a team’s total ceiling. A top-order batter who can attack from ball one while also converting starts into big scores through his two centuries in 12 matches is exactly the profile franchise selectors look for when balancing overseas and local talent.

PSL 11 Opening Day and What Is at Stake for Islamabad United

PSL 11 kicks off on March 26 with one of the most anticipated opening fixtures in the tournament’s history as defending champions Lahore Qalandars face the newly introduced Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen. For Islamabad United, the three-time champions tag brings real expectation every season and their squad construction this year suggests they are building seriously for a title challenge.

With Shadab Khan leading, Faheem Ashraf adding all-round depth, Devon Conway anchoring the top order, and now Mohammad Faiq potentially opening the batting, Islamabad United have the balance of power hitters, class batters, and genuine match-winners to go deep in PSL 11. Follow the PSL 11 live standings and points table throughout the tournament as the title race develops across the group stage and into the knockouts.

To get the full picture on every player in the Islamabad United squad and compare them against the other five franchises, visit the PSL 11 complete team squads and rosters for an in-depth breakdown of all teams heading into the season opener on March 26.

FAQs About Islamabad United PSL 11 Squad and Mohammad Faiq Signing

Q1. Who is Mohammad Faiq and what are his T20 stats? Mohammad Faiq is a right-handed top-order batter who has scored 443 runs in 12 T20 matches at an average of 63.28 and a strike rate of 189.31 including two half-centuries and two centuries.

Q2. Has Mohammad Faiq played for Islamabad United before? Yes, Faiq was previously part of Islamabad United’s squad but did not feature in any competitive matches. PSL 11 will mark his actual debut for the franchise.

Q3. When does PSL 11 start for Islamabad United? PSL 11 runs from March 26 to May 3, 2026. The opening match is between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen on March 26.

Q4. Who did Islamabad United replace in their PSL 11 squad? Islamabad United replaced West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph with Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani ahead of PSL 11.

Q5. How much did Islamabad United pay for Faheem Ashraf at the PSL 11 auction? Islamabad United secured all-rounder Faheem Ashraf for Rs. 85 million after an intense bidding war at the historic February 11 auction.

Q6. Was the PSL 11 player auction different from previous seasons? Yes, PSL 11 used a player auction format for the first time in the tournament’s history, replacing the traditional draft system that had been used across all 10 previous editions since 2016.