LAHORE - Islamabad United team members and management, including captain Misbah-ul-Haq, coach Dean Jones and managers Rehan Ul Haq and Hassan Cheema, have taken to FC College in their PSL trophy tour event organised by Forman Sports and Music Societies.

The team was welcomed by chief proctor Nawaz Malik and presidents Nokhaiz Joseph and Abuzar Hassan. The event started off with a documentary which was played in the wake of Islamabad United's win in the PSL. The crowd erupted as soon as Misbah and Dean Jones entered the hall.

Misbah lauded the efforts of the entire squad which was the key in his team's success. "We were down and out at one stage of the competition. We needed five wins in a row at one stage to win the event. We did not lose hope and continued our struggle which paid off in the end and we emerged as victorious.”

Misbah explained the difficulties he had to face while he was doing his MBA. "I used to play matches all the day and then take evening MBA classes. It was not easy for me as I used to take very little sleep in the night, when there were exams. My mother always motivated me to do well and I am thankful to her and to my wife for all their support."

Misbah thanked his team members, saying without them, the Test team success would not have been possible. He confirmed the franchise would love to sign AB de Villiers. "For the upcoming draft, I won't mind signing AB de Villiers. I utterly trust my team management to pick the best available players.”

Dean Jones shared some light moments with the crowd, took part in the pushups challenge and even went on to take a dig at Lahore Qalandars. "I am loving the crowd over here, but if anyone here is a Lahore Qalandars' supporter, the exit door is that way (laughs)."

Dean Jones also lauded Misbah’s captaincy during the PSL and raised eyebrows on him not being part of Pakistan's T20I team. "Misbah is right up there with the best players I have coached. He is a fantastic T20 player and it is very surprising for me that he is not part of the national T20I team anymore."

Dean Jones also congratulated the Pakistan Test team and Misbah-ul-Haq on achieving the No 1 rank and on receiving the mace from the ICC. "It is an incredible achievement and Misbah deserves all the credit for the way he has kept the team together and worked with the players."