Islamabad United have reportedly contracted Pavan Rathnayake as a replacement for Dipendra Singh Airee till the end of PSL 11.
Airee was initially chosen by the Islamabad United in the player draft for 6 million. He will be given 70 per cent of that, however, as he will not be available at all times during the tournament, which will amount to Rs4.2 million.
Rathnayake will receive the remaining Rs1.8 million, and he will debut in the Pakistan Super League.
The Sri Lankan batter, who is 23 years old, has not yet gained much experience in franchises, except for playing at the Lanka Premier League.
Nevertheless, he already has some international exposure in the T20 Sri Lanka national cricket team.
Rathnayake has accumulated a phenomenal strike rate of 146.96 with a total of 266 runs in 12 T20 international matches.
He has two half-centuries in his performances, which reflect his versatility in scoring in the shorter form.
Islamabad United also posted information on their squad expenditure during the season when they announced the replacement.
The overall budget of the franchise is Rs505 million and has already spent Rs494.75 million leaving only Rs17.25 million available.
The current highest-paid player of the team is Faheem Ashraf, who earns a salary of Rs85 million.
Behind him are Shadab Khan and Mark Chapman who both earn Rs70 million. Devon Conway is worth Rs63 million.
Islamabad United currently stand in second in the points table of PSL 11, having won four, lost two and drawn one match out of seven matches.
Also read: PSL 11: Islamabad United dominate Karachi Kings with comfortable 8-wicket win
