Watch: Islamabad United quietly removes controversial foreign player 24 hours after PSL 2026 auction

The Pakistan Super League (PSL)2026 franchise, Islamabad United, has quietly released the West Indies pacer, Shamar Joseph, just hours after they confirmed the player’s signing for the 2026 season of the tournament, which has surprised the fans and raises questions regarding their decision. They have also deleted the post of the bowler coming into the side during the auction.

The franchise initially declared the signing of Shamar Joseph during the historic auction on February 11, reporting the PKR 1.10 crore deal to strengthen their pace attack with the international experience. But within hours, the three-time champions drew attention from the fans and the media. However, they have not issued any formal explanation for the sudden reversal.

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The Guyana pacer, who got his name into the history with a historic bowling performance at the Gabba in Brisbane during West Indies’ victory against Australia in the day-night pink-ball contest, faced serious allegations in June last year, including the accusations of rape, sexual assault, and harassment, with 11 women as no formal criminal charge has been filed.

Islamabad United release Shamar Joseph post PSL 2026 auction

Joseph has overall picked up 19 wickets in 17 innings of the shortest format at an average of 28.10 and an economy rate of 9.20. During their two successive victories of the T20 World Cup 2026 against Scotland and England in Kolkata and Mumbai, respectively, Joseph bagged two wickets and bowled well in various phases of the game.

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Overall, in 33 innings of the T20s, the right-arm pacer has bagged 33 wickets at an average of 29.66 and an economy rate of just over nine. Islamabad remained active in the auction as they retained their key players such as Shadab Khan, Salman Irshad, and Andries Gous, and they also bagged the services of Faheem Ashraf for PSK 8.50 crore.

Apart from this, the United also signed the New Zealand all-rounder, Daryl Mitchell, their left-handed middle order batter, Mark Chapman, the right-arm pacer of England, Richard Gleeson, the Nepal all-rounder, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Australia’s Max Bryant. They will soon start their preparation for the competition.