Fakhar Zaman issues Lahore Qalandars warning ahead of PSL 8
Left-hander highlighted the bench strength of the defending champions
Pakistan’s top-order batter Fakhar Zaman believes that Lahore Qalandars have assembled a formidable squad for the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
While speaking to Geo News in an exclusive interview, Zaman highlighted the bench strength of the defending champions.
“They have assembled a very good team this year. In the past four or five seasons, we didn’t have adequate bench strength but that is not the case this year. This time we have the players on our bench, who are as good as those playing on the field. This is a really good sign for us,” said Zaman.
The left-hander was the highest run-scorer last season with 588 runs at an average of 45.23 and strike-rate of 152.72. His seven fifties and one hundred were instrumental in Qalandars’ victories during the tournament.
Ahead of 2023 edition, Zaman is eager to put up a good show with the bat once again.
“Cricket fans in Pakistan eagerly wait for PSL every year. I’m also excited for PSL and we will try to defend our title this season,” he said.
“As a batter my aim once again would be to become the best batter in the event while also help Lahore Qalandars win with my performance,” he added.
It must be noted that former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez starred in Lahore Qalandars' 42-run triumph over Multan Sultans in the final to win a maiden Pakistan Super League title in Lahore in February last year.
The 41-year-old scored a fighting 46-ball 69 to guide Qalandars to 180-5 after they won the toss and batted before a packed 30,000 Gaddafi stadium.
Hafeez then chipped in with wickets of in-form opener Mohammad Rizwan (14) and Aamer Azmat (six) to bowl the defending champions for 138 in 19.3 overs.
The eight edition of PSL is scheduled to be held from February 13 to March 19, 2023.
The defending champions, Qalandars, have already assembled their squad for the upcoming season after the draft in December last year.
Lahore Qalandars squad
Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Rashid Khan, Haris Rauf, David Wiese, Abdullah Shafique, Harry Brook, Kamran Ghulam, Zaman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Hussain Talat, Sikandar Raza, Liam Dawson, Dilbar Hussain, Mirza Tahir Baig, Ahmed Danlyal, Shawaiz Irfan, Jordan Cox, Jalat Khan
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