Grant Elliot believes Pakistan Super League showing ‘signs of success’

New Zealand all-rounder says tournament’s timing is perfect to make it a major tournament in its own right


Sports Desk September 23, 2015
The 36-year-old was one of the three players, including James Franklin and Jesse Ryder, who were named by the PSL organisers. PHOTO COURTESY: ICC

New Zealand all-rounder Grant Elliot believes the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will turn out to be a major tournament and the signs are good that success will come to this lucrative T20 event.

“Given the time of the year, it definitely can become a major tournament in its own right,” said Elliot, in an interview to PakPassion.

Read: Grant Elliot all set to join Pakistan Super League

“The players who become involved will dictate that as will how well it is organized. All the signs are there that this will be a very successful tournament.

“Also from the sub-continent crowd’s point of view and for people who follow the game, this is a popular format. They absolutely love the game and it’s almost like religion to them. I really feel that any tournament in the sub-continent of this nature will always be a big success.”

The 36-year-old also said that such leagues help senior players to share their experiences with younger and budding players.

“Given my age, I believe this will be a great opportunity for me to share my experience around the globe,” said Elliot.

“I am at a stage of my career where I can easily spark interest in a young Pakistan player so that he comes out and plays in New Zealand. This has become quite common now where you see lots of cricketers moving around the world, experiencing different countries and cultures and also learning from each other. So this learning can be good for the young players and not only help Pakistan players but also be of benefit to New Zealand with the learning that I can take back.”

Read: Pakistan Super League: Kevin Pietersen confirms participation in video message

He further emphasized on the importance of league like PSL by saying that it allows a player to travel to different parts of the world and learn to quickly adapt to different environments.

“I suppose the experience of playing in different countries, playing against the world’s best [is the main attraction of such leagues].

Playing T20 in England recently was a new challenge where one has to adapt to different conditions.

“As a player it helps in building skills and tests your character as a player. You can then go back to international cricket as a more skillful player. You can play against other confident players which provide you another opportunity to hone your skills and come out as a better player.”

Elliot also confirmed that the New Zealand Cricket has given him the permission to participate in the PSL.

“Yes, I have put forward my name for this tournament. In terms of timing, that is the period in which there is four day cricket being played in New Zealand and it will be a good time for me to get away and play some Twenty20 cricket with the lead up to the World T20 which is a top competition, held in high regard by players and is very exciting as well.”

Read: PSL will be a rich experience for our players: Afridi

Elliot also talked about his captain Brendon McCullum crediting him for all the success that New Zealand has recently achieved by playing an attacking brand of cricket.

“The whole [attacking] approach is led by Brendon McCullum where through his style of play he sets the tone for the rest of the team to follow. On top of that the selectors are choosing people based not only upon talent but their character as well. So, we have a good mix of guys who are in it for the team and that makes it a fantastic environment to be part of.”

This article originally appeared on PakPassion

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ