Islamabad United's run in the inaugural Pakistan Super League was stuff dreams are made of. After early defeats the Islamabad team was being lauded as also-rans rather than potential champions. Over the hill, lacking flair, lacking ideas and lacking match-winners were the phrases coming out when describing their approach and tactics. However, somehow it clicked, they turned a corner and never looked back once they got their tactics and selection right last year.

By Saj Sadiq (1st February, 2017)

Full squad: Misbah-ul-Haq, Shane Watson (Aus), Steven Finn (Eng), Sharjeel Khan, Mohammad Irfan, Samuel Badree (WI), Mohammad Sami, Khalid Latif, Brad Haddin (Aus), Sam Billings (Eng), Saeed Ajmal, Asif Ali, Rumman Raees, Imran Khalid, Amad Butt, Hussain Talat.

Supplementary: Dwayne Smith (WI), Ben Duckett (Eng), Shadab Khan, Zohaib Khan.

Captain: Misbah-ul-Haq

Coaching staff: Wasim Akram (Cricket Director), Dean Jones (Head Coach), Tauseef Ahmed (Assistant Coach)

Can lightning strike twice and Islamabad make it consecutive PSL wins? Well, their think-tank has opted for the safety-first policy of let's stick with what we have, rather than taking risks and making many changes to a familiar and successful squad. It's a policy that if Islamabad lift the trophy in 2017 could well be described as inspirational but if the team flops, it's a strategy that will be lamented as lacking imagination and creativity.

The batting fireworks at the top of the order will be expected from Sharjeel Khan who in last season's tournament became the first and only century-maker. If Sharjeel gets going, he is more than capable of winning any match on his own. The back-up batsmen to Sharjeel are no mugs with Khalid Latif also capable of some power-hitting. In addition, Shane Watson, Misbah-ul-Haq, Sam Billings and Brad Haddin are no slouches when it comes to the big shots. Islamabad's batting if it clicks can be explosive and can take any match away from the opposition, but if Sharjeel flops then this batting line-up may struggle to reach the big scores they will want and require.

The all-round department looks healthy with seasoned match-winner Shane Watson in all three facets of the game. He remains a more than capable all-rounder and his experience and know-how will help the youngsters. Watson is ably backed up by the highly rated Amad Butt who many believe has the potential to make it to the highest level of the game. Add to this the ever-improving Hussain Talat and Islamabad is spoilt for choice when it comes to pace-bowling all-rounders. However, the reigning champions have suffered a huge blow with Andre Russell's twelve month ban which has left a huge hole for Islamabad to fill and could ultimately mean them struggling to repeat their performances last year. Russell in the twenty-over format is virtually irreplaceable, but Islamabad's decision to replace him with Steven Finn is a curious one. 

Islamabad's spinning riches are amongst the best of any PSL team, with the wily and experienced duo of Samuel Badree and Saeed Ajmal more than capable of not only stemming the flow of runs from the opposition, but also taking their fair share of wickets at crucial times. No weak links here.

The pace-bowling of Islamabad could, if one was being critical, be pinpointed as their weak link. Mohammad Sami had a great PSL last time around but he is more than capable of being the total opposite this time around. Mohammad Irfan's fitness is always an issue, with the giant liable to pick up an injury or two. Rumman Raees is a steady pace bowler who has recently won recognition from the national selectors, but one feels that the opposition could target him. Steven Finn is another pace bowler who opposition batsmen could tuck into on the wickets of UAE.

Islamabad's squad has of course a familiar ring to it and when looking at their squad they are more than capable of lifting the trophy again. Their squad has depth, experience, know-how, it has variety and above all it has several match-winners which is very important in this format of the game. However, a repeat of last year's heroics look a distant dream.

Strengths - explosive batting line-up. Good all-rounders and a great spin duo.

Weaknesses - Pace bowlers could struggle - Squad is one year older, therefore will some of the aging legs be able to take a tough schedule?

Verdict - Winning the trophy again this year might just be a step too far for Misbah and co.

Key man: Sharjeel Khan 

Players to watch out for: Hussain Talat, Ammad Butt, Sam Billings

Discuss!