Islamabad United have been hit with bad news as Australian all-rounder Matthew Short has been ruled out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) X. The team had high hopes for Short, who was bought for $220,000 and was expected to play a big role at the top of the batting order. Short picked up a quad injury during the Champions Trophy 2025 while playing for Australia against Afghanistan. Even though he opened the innings with Travis Head, he was struggling to move and had to retire hurt after scoring 20 runs from 15 balls.

After arriving in Pakistan, Short showed some signs of recovery. But during training, he started feeling pain again. Islamabad United’s medical staff, along with doctors from Cricket Australia, checked him and decided it was best for him to stop playing and focus on recovery. “Both teams agreed that Matt should return home to heal properly,” Islamabad United said in a statement. Short has now gone back to Australia, and Islamabad United haven’t named a replacement yet.

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Islamabad United Stay Strong Without Short

This is a big loss for United, as Short is known for his powerful batting and useful bowling. He played some great cricket in BBL 14 and has a good T20 record with a strike rate of almost 150. He also played for the IPL and would have been a game-changer for the team. Even in the absence of Short, Islamabad United have made a pretty good beginning to the tournament. They have won all three of their matches and are currently at the top of the points table.

Captain Shadab Khan and the team will now rely on their regular players to keep the winning streak going. Islamabad United also thanked Short for his time with the team. “We wish him a quick recovery and thank him for his positive attitude,” the team said. As the tournament moves forward, United will be tested. But with the form they’ve shown so far, they’ll hope to stay on top and go deep into the competition.