Arthur amazed by young talent on show in PSL

Believes emerging players have potential to play for national side

SHARJAH: Pakistan national team head coach Mickey Arthur is amazed by the emerging talent he has come across in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) and has reserved special praise for Lahore Qalandars batsman Fakhar Zaman.

Arthur, who is also the head coach of Karachi Kings, said he has been observing the talent on show in the T20 league and is really impressed by what the youngsters have to offer.

“This league is great for the future of Pakistan cricket as it will give the national side a lot of players to choose from,” he said. “We have selected some good players and will be working with them as they have the potential to represent Pakistan in the future.”

Talking about Zaman, the South African said, “Zaman is a real talent; there is a lot of good in him and I think that he could potentially develop into a batsman who can play for Pakistan in the years to come. I hope that he gets better and better.”

Arthur also said that the PSL has the potential to do for Pakistan what the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Big Bash League did for the Indian and Australian national sides.

“IPL for India and Big Bash for Australia have boosted their cricket. It helps the young talent to communicate with the overseas players and also learn from them which will eventually help Pakistan,” he said.

‘Misbah deserves proper send-off’

Arthur, while talking about Test captain Misbahul Haq’s retirement plans, revealed that he had a chat with the Islamabad United skipper a few days ago and that he planned to talk on the subject with him in the future as well.

“I really can’t say what he has planned but I will be talking to him again to see what he has decided,” he said, adding that Misbah deserves a proper send-off.

“Misbah has given a lot to the team and is a legend for Pakistan cricket. He is a great leader and deserves all the appreciation, all the respect, and a good sending-off wherever he decides to go,” he added.