Islamabad United's hopes of mounting a comeback in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) were dealt a serious blow after their star all-rounder Shane Watson was ruled out of the remainer of the tournament with an abdominal injury.

Watson, who scored 194 runs and bowled some crucial overs in the five PSL games, was vital to United's prospects in the league after they slumped to the bottom of the table along with Lahore Qalandars.

It has been learnt that the 34-year-old Aussie is likely to be replaced by former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, who would join United as a 'foreign' player.

The PSL's official Twitter handle confirmed the news: “JUST IN Bad news for @IsbUnited as their star player @ShaneRWatson33 is out of the #HBLPSL with an abdominal injury.”

Injuries have seriously hampered United's cause in the PSL with captain Misbah-ul-Haq, Andre Russell and Mohamamd Sami all picking up niggles.

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