Former Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq will not be associated with the Islamabad United franchise as the head coach in the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League. The decision was taken due to Misbah’s national side commitments and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s new conflict of interest rules.

Misbah was the captain of United over the first three seasons, leading the team to two Pakistan Super League (PSL) championships during that span.

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He is also the most successful Test captain in Pakistan’s history, winning more Tests than anyone in the country’s history, culminating with leading the team to number-one in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Rankings.

“On behalf of ISLU [Islamabad United], I would like to thank Misbah for his immense contribution to the team. He captained us to 2 PSL trophies & was a mentor/coach in all seasons. We wish him the best in his professional as well as personal life. Kaptaan [captain], you’ll be Red Forever,” said team owner Ali Naqvi in a tweet.

Misbah is currently the head coach of Pakistan’s national side and had recently stepped down as the chief selector.  

“ISLU will not be renewing Misbah’s already expired head coach contract given his commitments with the national team. We thank him for his great contribution to ISLU. We wish him the very best of luck with the Flag of Pakistan National Team,” a press release issued by the franchise stated.

United failed to qualify for the playoffs, for the first time in history, in the latest edition of PSL.

“I obviously have an attachment to Islamabad United and the relationship that we have built over the past five years. But with back to back World T20s coming up, I want to focus on the PSL from a purely neutral perspective,” said Misbah. “For anyone involved in Pakistan cricket, their national commitments should always be the priority and for that I believe I will have to sacrifice my franchise commitments.”