Islamabad United has appointed West Indian all-rounder Kyle Mayers as a replacement player for the 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL) season. The move comes following the exclusion of two foreign players, Matt Short and Rassie van der Dussen, from the tournament, the team confirmed today.

Islamabad United has acquired West Indian all-rounder Kyle Mayers on a reserve role for the rest of the 10th Pakistan Super League (PSL), following South Africa's Rassie van der Dussen and Australia's Matt Short being not available.

The franchise has officially confirmed that van der Dussen has pulled out of the competition due to personal reasons, and Short is also not available, which prompted finding a foreign substitute. Mayers will be part of the team before United's sixth match of the season in Lahore.

Islamabad United head coach Mike Hesson also showed his support towards van der Dussen during this troubled period.

"We absolutely support Rassie and his family. He's in a tough place, and cricket is the last thing that matters in such a situation," Hesson maintained.

The squad had already appointed Australian Alex Carey as part replacement for van der Dussen, but he too pulled out because of Australian national commitments. Australian all-rounder Matt Short is also not available, though the side has not reported any particular reasons for his absence.

Kyle Mayers, 32, is experienced in Islamabad United. Famous for his aggressive strokeplay and able medium-pace bowling, Mayers has represented the West Indies in 24 T20Is and has been a regular performer in T20 leagues globally, such as the Caribbean Premier League. Mayers is likely to shore up United's batting and give options to the bowling attack as they seek to retain their title.

Under Shadab Khan's leadership, Islamabad United remains undefeated in the current tournament and is a strong contender for a record fourth PSL title. United will play its fifth match against Multan Sultans on Wednesday at the Multan Cricket Stadium.