Wed May 28 16:00:00 UTC 2025: **Lahore, Pakistan – Faheem Ashraf Reflects on Islamabad United Bond, Eyes National Team Impact**

Pakistani all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, fresh off his stint with Quetta Gladiators in PSL 10, has opened up about his fond memories and emotional connection with his former team, Islamabad United. In a recent PCB podcast, Ashraf, who represented Islamabad United from 2018 to 2024, admitted his enduring loyalty to the franchise despite his move.

“I would say there might not be a franchise like Islamabad United in the entire PSL,” Ashraf stated. “I spent my entire career there… Even now, while being part of Quetta, whenever we stayed at the same hotel, I would find myself going over to meet the Islamabad United guys.” During his time with Islamabad United, Ashraf played 74 matches, taking 78 wickets and scoring 803 runs.

Ashraf also discussed his preferred formats of cricket, expressing a leaning towards T20Is and Tests over ODIs. “ODIs are tough—you have to bowl 10 overs, field for 50 overs, and then wait for your turn to bat. That waiting period is really challenging,” he explained.

Returning to the national side after a two-year absence, Ashraf, who last played a T20I for Pakistan in 2023, outlined his ambitions for his comeback. “My aim is to give 100% in my comeback, just like I did for my franchise. But when it comes to Pakistan, I want to give even more—because for us, Pakistan comes first,” he declared.

The 31-year-old, with 48 T20I appearances under his belt, is set to feature in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, scheduled to be held in Lahore from May 28 to June 1.

**Pakistan Squad for Bangladesh T20Is:** Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Abbas Afridi, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), and Saim Ayub.

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