United supported me during tough situation, excited to return for PSL: Hales

England batter, Alex Hales has decided to skip England's upcoming tour to Bangladesh, in order to honour his £145,000 contract with Islamabad United for the upcoming edition of HBL Pakistan Super League, reported The Telegraph.

England is scheduled to square off against Bangladesh in three T20Is and as many ODIs, which will be played between March 1 to 14. Whereas, HBL PSL 8 will take place 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.

Right-hand batter is also looking forward to represent the franchise in front of their home crowd in Rawalpindi.

“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.