Misbah ul Haq will not be in Islamabad United's camp for the fourth Pakistan Super League (PSL) edition as he wishes to participate in the season as an active player. The franchise wanted him to take up a management role but the 44-year-old wanted to feature in the tournament as a player. A statement by the franchise reveals that the two parties in the weeks leading up to the draft had entered an agreement according to which Misbah was to take up the mentor role, but he later backtracked from it.

Misbah now goes into the PSL draft, which is to be held on Tuesday, as an active player. "Islamabad United, the winners of the inaugural HBL PSL and the defending PSL champions, would like to update our fans that Misbah-ul-Haq might not be a part of the franchise in the fourth edition of the Pakistan Super League, due to a late change of decision," the statement said. "In the weeks leading up to the draft, Islamabad United had reached an agreement with Misbah-ul-Haq regarding his appointment as the mentor of the franchise for PSL 4 and the editions going forward. This is in line with ISLU's ethos of developing and nurturing not only emerging players but also senior players as they move to the next phase of their careers. ISLU was hence delighted to receive the written confirmation to this effect.

"Despite having reached that agreement the franchise was informed yesterday that Misbah wished to stay in the player draft for PSL4 for consideration as an active player. As Islamabad United has already announced its retentions and has a specific strategy for the draft, picking Misbah as a player may not be possible for the franchise."

Misbah, nursing a wrist injury, played only eight games for the franchise in the third PSL edition earlier this year. He scored 57 runs across four innings at a strike-rate of 75. Those outings remain to be his last in T20 format this year. "While this is an unexpected turn of events, we respect Misbah's decision and would like to thank him for invaluable contribution to the rise of ISLU, and would like to wish him the best in his future endeavours," the franchise stressed.

Misbah is involved in domestic cricket as he is leading Sui Northern Gas Pipelines in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Last month, he was made a member of a cricket committee by Ehsan Mani, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, to assist and advise him on the cricket-related matters.