Wasim, Afridi want fans to get behind PSL

Both believe league will help Pakistan players grow and improve

DUBAI:

Former Pakistan captain and legendary bowler Wasim Akram believes the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is the best thing happening for Pakistan cricket right now, and has urged fans to support it.

Wasim, who is the Islamabad United team director, believes the league can go a long way in improving Pakistan cricket, which is currently struggling to meet modern-day demands.



“An event of such magnitude has never been staged before nor will it ever be,” said Wasim. “So we all need to support this product.”

The former left-arm pacer and World Cup winner feels Pakistan’s younger players will be the ones to benefit most from the country’s first ever high profile league. “Imagine our young players rubbing their shoulders with the best players of the world,” he said. “In addition, all the teams have got top coaches, so upcoming players would learn a lot from it.”

Money will motivate youngsters: Afridi

Peshawar Zalmi and PakistanT20I skipper Shahid Afridi pointed out that the influx of money will motivate young players to try and pursue cricket professionally.



He added that Pakistan is looking to find quality players and that the league would certainly help unearth future stars.

“The PSL is going to be a big help for Pakistan cricket because it would allow us to find the next Wasim, Javed Miandad and Waqar Younis,” he said. “It’s a really big step taken by the PCB and they should be appreciated for it.”



Afridi too, like Wasim, urged the fans to get behind the league. “I would urge the public to ensure they support this league and turn out in number during the matches.”



Malik wants to win it for Karachi

Karachi Kings skipper Shoaib Malik shared that he wants to win the title for Karachi, especially since he has led his domestic side Sialkot Stallions to several titles at the expense of Karachi sides in finals.

“Hopefully, we would be able to give a present to the people of Karachi by winning this PSL, as we [Sialkot] have beaten them a couple of times before,” joked Malik.

Sarfraz confident of success

Speaking during the trophy unveiling ceremony, Quetta Gladiators skipper Sarfraz Ahmed believes that people are underestimating his side but they are doing so at their own expense.



“Quetta Gladiators will surprise a few teams, though people are not rating us highly,” he said. “We’ve got genuine match-winners in the team, with the likes of Kevin Pietersen and Luke Wright, while our Pakistani players are good as well.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 4th,  2016.

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