Paul Stirling and Ali Khan sign with Islamabad United

Irish opener Paul Stirling and American quick Ali Khan have been signed by Islamabad United for the 2021 PSL.

The pair join as replacement players with initial draft picks affected by a shifted international calendar of cricket. Stirling takes over Kiwi opener Colin Munro, while Khan replaces English quick Reece Topley, who has been selected in England’s T20I squad to play India.

31-year-old Khan tasted PSL cricket last season for the Karachi Kings, dismissing Sarfraz Ahmed and finishing with figures of 1-36 (3) in his only match. With uncertainty of overseas travel and Covid complications in Pakistan, Khan left not long before the tournament was put on hold back in March.

For Stirling, T20 franchise league appearances have been frustratingly sporadic. Outside of Ireland, and the Vitality Blast where he boasts a strike rate of 149 and an average of 25.81 in 99 matches, Stirling has played just three matches in Full Member T20 action in the last two years, all at the Lanka Premier League in late 2020. Over the same period, Stirling has played 26 of his 78 T20Is, averaging 39.29 at a strike rate of 143.75.

The 2021 PSL begins on February 21, with Islamabad United’s first match on February 22nd against the Multan Sultans.

You’re reading Emerging Cricket — brought to you by a passionate group of volunteers with a vision for cricket to be a truly global sport, and a mission to inspire passion to grow the game.

Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, please subscribe for regular updates, and follow EC on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Don’t know where to start? Check out our features list, country profiles, and subscribe to our podcast.

Support us from US$2 a month — and get exclusive benefits, by becoming an EC Patron.