‘Heart of gold’: Andy Flower heaps praise on Shahnawaz Dahani  

The Multan Sultans’ Head Coach Andy Flower has heaped praise on pacer Shahnawaz Dahani after the latter’s impressive performance in the sixth season of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL). 

Dahani finished the tournament with the most wickets, 20, and was instrumental in leading his team towards their maiden HBL PSL title. 

“It was his [Dahani] attitude towards the game, despite being his first really high-profile cricket experience, that really stood out. He played the game with a broad smile on his face but was serious when he needed to be. I think other cricketers also enjoyed seeing his attitude in the field and I think he inspired the people that were watching him on TV back in Pakistan and, if I boldly say, perhaps around the world,” said Flower.  

“He has also got a heart of gold and he wants the best for his team and his teammates. He’s also very respectful of the people around, although he plays the fool sometimes but he is no fool as he understands what's happening around him. He was a really invaluable member of our side in all sorts of ways,” he added. 

Flower also lauded Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy despite a torrid start to the tournament, when they lost four out of their first five games.  

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“He obviously led from the front of the player as a player but he also captained well. Being decisive when he needed to be decisive and showing belief after we had a really tough start in Karachi. I thought he did an amazing job,” he said.  

Flower also spoke about Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam and the way he had led the side since taking charge.  

“I don’t know his captaincy very well to be honest but I think he has the support of his players which is very important. He is like a really good young guy and I know that my brother [Grant Flower] had a really good relationship with him when he coached,” he said 

“The fact that he's played so well, with the added responsibility of captaincy, reflect really well on him as a person. This shows that he can control his thoughts and his emotions and still perform brilliantly with a bat and lead from the front,” he concluded.