Sangakkara to captain Karachi Kings for PSL’s second edition

Veteran Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batsman replaces Shoaib Malik

Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik relinquished Karachi Kings’ captaincy in favour of veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Sangakkara, who recently joined the team from Quetta Gladiators for the second season of Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Speaking at a press conference, Malik said that the Sri Lankan brings immense experience to the side; therefore, he is better capable of leading us as well.

.@KumarSanga2 Will Be The Captain of #KarachiKings In #HBLPSL Season 2 pic.twitter.com/VOxXkXWjqM

— Karachi Kings (@KarachiKingsARY) October 20, 2016

“I want to dedicate myself towards Karachi Kings’ development side, and I believe Sangakkara will do a wonderful job as a leader because he has the required experience,” he said.

He added: “I am not only a part of this team, but this is my team.”

.@KumarSanga2 Will Be The Captain of #KarachiKings In #HBLPSL Season 2 - @realshoaibmalik

— Karachi Kings (@KarachiKingsARY) October 20, 2016

Sangakkara, along with Lahore Qalandars’ star player Chris Gayle, was one of two foreign players to have joined the Karachi-based team prior to yesterday’s draft. In PSL’s inaugural edition earlier this year, he played four matches for Quetta Gladiators and scored 129 runs at an average of 32.25, with highest score of 55.

King @realshoaibmalik announces @KumarSanga2 as the new captain of @KarachiKingsARY. The team looks set to reach new heights in #HBLPSL2017.

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) October 20, 2016

Previously, Malik resigned from captaincy during the first edition as well, handing over the skipper duties to Ravi Bopara. However, the team management later stated that he will be retained as captain for the second season too.