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Islamabad United Release Shamar Joseph Amid Misconduct Allegations and Fan Backlash

Islamabad United have released West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph from their PSL 11 squad following widespread criticism from fans. The move comes after public concerns surfaced regarding serious allegations of misconduct against Joseph in his home country. The signing, initially announced as a major overseas acquisition, quickly drew backlash from supporters who questioned the franchise’s decision to include a player facing such allegations.

The controversy escalated when Islamabad United removed their announcement post from Instagram, signaling a swift reversal of their decision amid mounting pressure. Fans had flooded social media, urging the team to reconsider the inclusion of Joseph, pointing to multiple reports of alleged sexual misconduct. Although no formal criminal charges have been filed, the public outcry proved influential in prompting the franchise to act quickly.

This incident highlights the growing importance of off-field conduct in player selection and the role of fan scrutiny in modern cricket. Islamabad United now aim to move forward by focusing on strengthening their squad with other international and domestic talent as PSL 11 approaches, while the broader conversation around ethical considerations in player recruitment continues to gain traction.