Imad eager to clash wits with Sarfraz

Karachi take on Quetta in all-rounder’s first game as captain

KARACHI: Karachi Kings captain Imad Wasim is looking forward to an exciting match against last year’s runners-up Quetta Gladiators as the two sides face off in their opening game during the second day of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Imad, who replaced Kumar Sangakkara as the skipper of the Karachi outfit for the third edition of the T20 league, is excited about pitching his wits against Sarfraz Ahmed — his skipper at the international level.

“I am really looking forward to the match against Sarfraz,” said Imad. “They have done really well in the last two seasons and are of course confident for this one as well, but we also have big names such as Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Amir in the side, while our young players have the potential to trouble any side on their day. I will be looking towards experienced players for advice while captaining the side in the third edition.”

The all-rounder praised Hasan Mohsin, a young all-rounder who impressed in the previous U19 World Cu. “He has a lot of potential and has been playing well in U19 and domestic cricket,” he said. “I am really forward to seeing him play.”

Sarfraz, on the other hand, has the explosive power of Kevin Pietersen and Rilee Rossouw to call upon in the middle of the innings and has proven himself to be one of the best captains around for the limited-over formats.

However, Quetta seem to be a little lopsided and have arguably the weakest bowling of the six franchises. The onus, therefore, falls upon Karachi-born Mir Hamza to perform for the Gladiators and the pacer is not shirking away from the responsibility.

“Karachi is my home town but Quetta has been my team since the start, and we have done well in the previous two editions,” he said. “Now, with the inclusion of some good players, I believe we are an even better team than before and we have a genuine chance of winning the trophy this time around.”

Hamza refuses to rule out his side before the big game. “It’s all about performing on a given day,” he said. “If you are able to do so then you will be on top. I am confident that Quetta can deliver what everyone is expecting from them against Karachi.”