Finn replaces banned Russell in Islamabad squad

Islamabad Cricket Director Wasim Akram justifies choice of pacer as replacement for an all-rounder

KARACHI: Pakistan Super League (PSL) first-edition winners Islamabad United replaced banned West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell with English pacer Steven Finn.

.@finnysteve is the latest addition to the #ISLUFamily! He has one of the best T20 bowling records in Asia#CricketJorrayPakistan pic.twitter.com/QARGxFVQ1C

— Islamabad United (@IsbUnited) February 1, 2017

The move came after Russell was banned from all cricket for a year over a doping code violation.

The 28-year-old did not file his whereabouts on three occasions in 2015 as required, which constitutes a failed drugs test under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines. His punishment was handed down by the Jamaican Anti-Doping Commission on Tuesday.

“We are devastated for Andre,” said West Indies all-rounder's Australian club Sydney Thunder's general manager Nick Cummins, in confirming the outcome.

“We haven’t seen the written judgement, but given the circumstances surrounding the filing failures we thought he had a good chance of being exonerated. We will monitor the appeals process and assess our options,” he added.

Meanwhile, Islamabad United's Cricket Director Wasim Akram justified the choice of a pacer as a replacement for an all-rounder.

"Obviously there will be some who will question why we've replaced an all-rounder with a genuine fast-bowler, but, having done the numbers, and after looking at the make up of our squad, he's a great alternative to have for Russell," said Wasim.

"His record in Asia particularly stood out to us, and if he replicates that form during the PSL, I'm sure he'll play a major role in our successes this year. I look forward to working with him."

The second edition of PSL will start from February 9 and will end with a marquee final in Lahore on March 5.