Sarfaraz highlights ‘immense’ contribution of PSL
Wicketkeeper is the only player to captain his franchise in all the seasons
Quetta Gladiators’ skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed believes that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has played an important role in the development of cricket in the country.
Ahmed is the only player to captain his franchise in all the seasons of the PSL.
“The PSL has played a very important role in the development of cricket in Pakistan. It has provided exposure to our players and they have learned how to handle the camera and crowd pressure, which is very important to grow as an international cricketer,” Ahmed said on the latest edition of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Podcast.
“Since it is a big brand, everyone follows it, and top players from all over the world are involved, everyone takes note of those cricketers who perform.
“The winning side of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 had the players who proved their mettle in the PSL. Whether it was Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan or Rumman Raees, these guys were doing well in the domestic cricket and were picked by the PSL franchises. Their impressive performances in the PSL earned them spots in the national side.
“So, the league’s contribution in the development of cricket in the country is immense.”
The Gladiators won their only PSL title in 2019 under the leadership of Ahmed.
The opening ceremony of PSL 8 will be held in Multan on February 13 prior to the tournament opener between 2021 winners Multan Sultans and defending champions Lahore Qalandars; meanwhile the closing ceremony and final will be played on March 19 in Lahore, which will also host play-offs.
Quetta Gladiators squad
Mohammad Nawaz, Iftikhar Ahmed, Jason Roy, Mohammad Hasnain, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Naveen ul Haq, Umar Akmal, Will Smeed, Wanindu Hasaranga, Naseem Shah, Odean Smith, Ahsan Ali, Umaid Asif, Muhammad Zahid, Abdul Bangalzai, Aimal Khan, Martin Guptill, Omair Bin Yousuf, Qais Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Dwaine Pretorius (partial replacement for Odean Smith), Will Jacks (partial replacement for Jason Roy), Nuwan Thushara (partial replacement for Naveen ul Haq)
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