Paul Striling hopes to make a comeback for Islamabad United next season

Ireland opener Paul Striling is envisaging a comeback with Islamabad United in the next edition of the Pakistan Super League- PSL season eight in 2023.

Striling joined in as a replacement player by Islamabad United in 2021 and was retained in the following edition in the silver category. He formed a potent partnership at the top with Alex Hales that dominated the bowling attacks.

In the PSL 2022, Stirling scored 200 runs in six innings and thumped two half-centuries. Unfortunately, he had to leave the tournament before the competition owing to national duties. However, he did join the team later in the eliminator against current title holders Lahore Qalandars.

"I really enjoyed my time in PSL. Twice, I was there with Islamabad United and had a very good time on both occasions. Loved the place and love the hospitality, so hopefully, I will get back over there again," Paul Striling said, as quoted by Geo tv.

Striling stated that he enjoyed his stay in Pakistan while he was with Islamabad United. He also recognized the support of the United fans and said he's hopeful of returning to turn up for Islamabad in the next season as well.

"I appreciate all their (Islamabad United fans) support. They were brilliant. I've really felt the sort of a family vibe with Islamabad fans. I'm hoping to join them (fans) sometime in the future," said Stirling.

The hard-hitting opener also heaped praise on the Islamabad skipper Shadab Khan and labelled him as a good cricketer in all three formats of the game.

"I know how good a cricketer he (Shadab Khan) is in all three facets of the game and his leadership as well. He's a great overseas signing for Yorkshire. Hopefully, he won't do well against us," sniped Striling.

Currently, he's playing for Birmingham Bears in the ongoing Vitality Blast T20 tournament. And in the first game for his new club, he scored a record hundred against Northamptonshire Steelbacks at Edgbaston, and he was left surprised after getting off to a brilliant start to the league and managing a debut ton.

"Lovely pitch and a great ground to score some runs on. You walk to every game individually and try to do your plans. It came off today as my innings. It was my night and was a fantastic win at the end," said the Irish.

"It's just the first game, and there are so many more games to come. I think we will assess the situation more in a couple of weeks' time and see where we are after six games and see if we are still in the same position," finished Striling.