Turning out for Quetta: Nabi honoured to be part of HBL PSL

Afghanistan skipper departs for Asia Cup preparations, wishes his side best of luck

DUBAI: Afghanistan skipper Mohammad Nabi was saddened to be leaving the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) early in order to prepare for the upcoming Asia Cup, and said it was a privilege for him to be part of the tournament and of the Quetta Gladiators side.

“This has been one of the most amazing experiences of my career as I shared a dressing room with some of the best players around,” he said. “The atmosphere in the camp throughout was such that we enjoyed each other’s company.”



The 30-year-old revealed the secret of Quetta’s success after they became the first team to book their spot in the knockout stages and the first to cement a spot in the top two. “[Head coach] Moin Khan, [mentor] Sir Vivian Richards and all the players were very welcoming and we played like a family,” he said.

“I pray we win the inaugural PSL. They can do it even without me because there are lot of match-winners in there and, more importantly, because we play as a team.”

Nabi will be missed, says Moin

Moin said that Nabi would be missed after he became an integral part of the side. Nabi had featured in all eight Quetta matches, with skipper Sarfraz Ahmed often turning to the off-spinner during crunch moments.

The Afghanistan captain capped his own participation in the event in style after playing a 30-run cameo to help Quetta beat Lahore Qalandars by two wickets in a record 202-run chase.



“Nabi became a very important part of Quetta as he bowled well in tough situations, so we’ll miss him quite a lot,” said Moin.



“It was unfortunate that he was not getting a proper opportunity with the bat but he showed his worth last night by winning us an unbelievable match.”

Moin also revealed the confidence oozing out of the 30-year-old. “He had told everyone in the dugout before walking out that he’ll win this match for the fans of Quetta, and he did so,” said Moin. “Only big players have this sort of attitude and I wish him success in the Asia Cup.”

‘McCullum a great induction’

Nabi would be replaced by New Zealand all-rounder Nathan McCullum for the play-offs, and Moin believes that Quetta have picked up another match-winner.



“We’re bringing in a top T20 player in Nathan as he bowls well, can hit big towards the end of an innings and is an absolute brilliant fielder,” said the head coach. “Hopefully, he will also have an impact in the PSL.”

Bismillah happy with dream debut

Nabi may have gotten Quetta over the line with a superb finisher’s knock but it was debutant Bismillah Khan — the only Quetta native in the Gladiators side and indeed the entire league — who took the plaudits with a man-of-the-match performance for his quick-fire half-century.

“It’s the best debut I could have wished for,” said Bismillah. “Everyone backed me when I was going out to bat, so that really took the pressure off me. I played my natural game, and it’s a very big moment in my life and for the people of Quetta.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 18^th,  2016.

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