PSL Draft: 'We have trust in Umar Akmal,' says Quetta Gladiators' co-owner Hassan Omar

KARACHI: Quetta Gladiators are known for their bond with players who are associated with them for a very long time. 

Be it providing chances to discarded cricketers Umar Akmal and Ahmad Shahzad or naming Sarfaraz Ahmed their franchise captain for 10 years, Gladiators' management proved out to be a real supporter of their players.

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2019 champions suffered immense criticism after they picked Umar and Ahmad together for the 2020-21 season of the league. But, they kept both players in full confidence. 

However, Umar was charged with failing to 'report corrupt approaches' ahead of PSL 2020 which put him in trouble. The cricketer was immediately suspended from that season and had to face a three-year ban (reduced to 18 months later on).

Once again, the franchise has shown belief in the hard-hitting batter by not only retaining him among eight players but appointing him their brand ambassador. Gladiators' looked confident about this decision but their fans thought otherwise. 

Speaking to GeoSuper.tv, Gladiators' co-owner Hassan Omar said they believe in Umar's talent despite all the criticism he faces.

"I don't think Umar's selection is a risk," said Hassan. "He is with us for a very long time and we believe in his talent. Even during the last season, the way he played in a match against Islamabad United, tells his caliber," he added. 

Umar, in PSL 7, scored 101 runs in five matches at an average of 20.20. He had also scored a half-century in that season. 

Following his recent record for them, Hassan has high hopes from the middle-order batter in the upcoming season. 

"The way he delivered last season for us, I hope he will continue doing the same this season," the co-owner said confidently. 

PSL 8 players' draft is all set to take place in Karachi tomorrow. All teams will complete their 18-member squad.