Karachi Kings have strengthened their Pakistan Super League 2026 campaign by signing experienced England batter Jason Roy as a replacement for Muhammad Waseem, who has been called up for international duty with the UAE ahead of their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 fixtures in Nepal.
Roy joins the franchise as Waseem’s departure left a gap in the Kings’ batting lineup, with the UAE opener required for his country’s upcoming commitments.
The timing of the signing is important. The Kings have lost their last two matches after a promising start that saw them win three games on the trot, and the side currently sits fourth on the PSL points table, having failed to win a single game since the tournament moved to Karachi.
Roy is no stranger to PSL cricket. The 33-year-old right-hander has played in six editions of the tournament since 2016, previously representing Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators, scoring 1,260 runs at a strike rate of 146.51, including two centuries and eight half-centuries. His most famous knock in the competition remains an unbeaten 145 off just 63 balls against Peshawar Zalmi in 2023, the highest individual score in PSL history.
The Kings’ top order has performed poorly this season. Waseem managed only 86 runs in five matches, while David Warner contributed just 93 runs in four innings, with 50 of those coming in a single knock. Reeza Hendricks, who opened in the last game against Hyderabad Kingsmen, could manage only two runs.
Roy’s proven ability to attack opposition bowlers from ball one makes him a potentially big addition. The Kings management said they are confident that his arrival will give their campaign the boost it badly needs as the tournament enters its final and most important stage.
With the Kings set to face Islamabad United next, all eyes will be on whether Roy can help change their fortunes and push them back into title contention.
